An annual event, Career Day 2011 offered numerous speakers, workshops and discussions, designed to prepare students for their post-college lives. All undergraduate students took the day off from classes to think about their futures and learn from professionals, who have all made a name for themselves in industry.
The day commenced with keynote addresses from Dr. Supriya Banerjee of Columbus Technologies and Guy Johnson of BB&T. Banerjee discussed the three things she finds extremely important when beginning a career: finding a mentor, learning effective networking skills, and finding a balance between work and social lives.
Following Banerjee’s speech was Johnson, who reflected on his own transition to the working world. Interestingly, Johnson graduated with a finance degree from Clemson University in 1982, a time when unemployment was high and the job market was volatile, similar to today. Johnson spoke from experience and reassured students that if they continue to work hard and pursue their goals, they’ll find success.
“If you’re in a career and it’s something you really like, you work 24 hours a day,” Johnson said. “Not because you have to, but because you want to.”
After the keynote addresses, students were broken into groups and attended various workshops and discussions, each designed to educate the students on different aspects of the professional world.
Denya Wilson of INROADS pointed out the proper way to construct a cover letter and resume in one workshop. Students were also present at a lecture concerning networking techniques during “working lunches.” This workshop, run by Michele Patrick of National Protocol, included etiquette training and pointers on how to best represent yourself when dining with clients, colleagues or hiring managers.
Ken Crockett, director of Critical Infrastructures and Cyber Protection Center at Capitol, led a panel discussion on student internships, which was available for sophomores and juniors. The panel included Puja Bisht and Kristina Roenigk of BCS, Inc. as well as Lisa Frattare and Chris Reuter of The Space Telescope Science Institute.
First year students were advised by Tony Miller, Capitol’s director of graduate admissions, in the segment titled “Maximizing Career Options,” while Sarah Woody, assistant director of student life and residential services informed students of on-campus leadership opportunities.
Graduation may be eight months away, but Capitol seniors know it’s never too early to start looking for a job. Therefore, the sessions “The Job Search” with career coach and learning consultant Jessica Samuels, and “Mastering Traditional Interviews Before During and Beyond” with Ebony Tara Scurry of Tara Enterprises LLC, were made available. Finally, all undergraduate students were present at the last lecture concerning proper interview dress held by Bill Seldon of SYMS.
Capitol students may not have attended classes on Tuesday but that doesn’t mean they had the day off. As they continue to discover their passions and trace out their career paths, workshops and lectures detailing networking, business etiquette, resume writing and internship searching are of the utmost importance.