Tusculum University students are taking the next step in their professional development by exploring potential jobs, internships and further academic study opportunities.
Students participated Thursday, Feb. 15, in Tusculum’s annual Career and Graduate School Fair in the Scott M. Niswonger Commons. They were able to visit with local, state and national employers as well as representatives of graduate school programs at Tusculum and other higher education institutions. The two-hour event attracted 42 organizations, a 20 percent increase from the previous fair.
Dr. Heather Henson-Ramsey, dean of the College of Science, Technology and Mathematics and coordinator of career services at Tusculum, said she and the organizations were pleased with the student turnout.
“We had a lot of students come through who are interested in a really specific program, and they went and talked to just that table,” Dr. Henson-Ramsey said. “Other students went through and talked to every single table. Students benefit because they are able to interact informally with potential employers and learn about opportunities for internships and part- and full-time positions, as well as practice their networking skills.”
Among participants in the fair were city governments, state and federal agencies, businesses, health care organizations, historic sites and higher education institutions offering a wide variety of degrees. Taylor Sanders, a junior pursuing a bachelor’s degree in biology, with a pre-medical, dental and veterinary concentration, enjoyed her time at the fair.
“I met a lot of cool people, and I learned about a lot of new jobs and opportunities in my area,” said Sanders, who visited many booths. “I appreciate Tusculum for hosting this event and for giving students this amazing opportunity.”
Dr. Henson-Ramsey, who has led the event for the last three years, said the organizations benefit because they were able to recruit potential employees and graduate students. In talking to the students, these organizations were able to see firsthand that Tusculum’s students are career-ready professionals and well-prepared for advanced studies.
“Our students take rigorous courses that provide active and experiential learning shaped by professors who mentor them and work one-on-one with them,” Dr. Henson-Ramsey said. “Combine all of that with the multiple community service activities our students undertake that reinforce the importance of civic engagement, and employers and higher education institutions find our Pioneers to be worthy candidates for jobs and graduate school admission. The value of a Tusculum education is high for these organizations and our students and alumni.”
To learn more about the university, please visit www.tusculum.edu.
Tusculum student Zoey Seay wrote part of this news release.
