Booths representing hospitals and therapy centers from all over the Ark-La-Tex area set up at the Nursing and Health Science Career Fair to give students employment opportunities.
The career fair took place in the SUB Ballroom on Oct. 1.
Roslynn Pogue, director of Career Connections, believes career fairs are vital to networking and helping students take the next step after graduation.
“These events give students the opportunity to come together with area businesses and talk to recruiters,” Pogue said.
The Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center, located in Shreveport, sent representatives to the fair to recruit students.
Nancy Creech, nursing recruiter of the VAMC, wanted to emphasize that the VAMC is a very active employer.
Creech believes that they have some of the best benefits available and take care of one of the best populations around.
“We are nationwide including Guam and Puerto Rico,” said Creech If they’re willing to travel, the world is at their feet. With one license you can work in any [VAMC] available.”
Hayley Masters, a senior occupational therapy assistant major, graduates in December and believes that the career fair gave her the perfect opportunity to begin looking for a job.
“They can be very effective as long as the student understands the opportunity they have…” Masters said.
Masters advised students to take full advantage of career fairs and keep an open mind when approaching booths.
“Even though all of the booths here don’t necessarily say they are occupational therapy, visit every booth because you never know what opportunity may present itself if you put yourself out there,” Masters said.
Emily Roberson, a senior nursing major, was glad to see the variety of positions being offered to new graduates.
“…I’m really interested in seeing what organizations are offering to us coming out of school and what positions they have available like Pediatrics or ER. One hospital was even offering surgery,” Roberson said.
According to Pogue, Career Connections has hosted career fairs for about 10 years.
