x
  
  
Posted: 10/03/02

TAMIU Targets Weekend of Career and Professional Exploration Oct. 18-21

 

TAMIU Logo
 

Career and professional exploration will take center stage at Texas A&M International University Friday, Oct. 18 - Monday, Oct. 21 with a weekend of activities designed to prepare and enrich students and the community for the world of work.

The "Smart Step" weekend, sponsored by TAMIU's Office of Career Services, will kick off with the 'Smart Step' Student Career Success Conference, scheduled for Oct. 18 from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. at various locations in the Student Center.

During the Conference, participants will learn about a variety of topics including resume writing skills, interviewing skills, job search strategies, dining etiquette, internships and customer service.

An expert panel, scheduled for 3-4 p.m., will feature a professional discussion on South Texas' future workforce and will include as panelists Laredo Mayor Betty Flores, Laredo Development Foundation president John Adams, and Laredo Chamber of Commerce president Miguel Conchas. The Conference registration fee is $20. Those interested must register by Oct. 10 at the Office of Career Services, located in the Student Center, room 114.

Viky García, Career Services director, said the Smart Step weekend of events is meant to prepare students and the community for the eventual job search.

"Every activity will explore careers, focus on communication, or provide some form of concrete information about success. It truly is a 'Smart Step,' not just for TAMIU students but for the community," she said.

Smart Step events will continue Monday, Oct. 21, with State Senator Dr. Judith Zaffirini presenting seminars on employment-related topics with a strong focus on communication strategies.

Dr. Zaffirini's various presentations are scheduled from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. in Bullock Hall 101. She will begin her sessions with a presentation on "Strategies for Success at Work or Graduate School." A session on "Tips and Techniques for Job Search" is also scheduled from 12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. for the community to be able to participate during lunchtime. "Power Networking for Professionals" will take place from 2-3:30 p.m. Zaffirini's final session will be a general question and answer session from 3:30-4 p.m. The presentations are free of charge and open to the public. No registration is required.

García said the Smart Step weekend will also include the "Smart Step" Business Fashion Show, scheduled for Oct. 21 at 11 a.m. in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library breezeway.

This event, also free of charge and open to the public, will feature a fashion show that defines what is appropriate attire for the workplace. It will also show the do's and don'ts in a formal job interview.

Also scheduled Oct. 21 is the Annual Graduate and Professional School Fair, from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. in front of the Bob Bullock Hall.

The event is open to University graduates and community members interested in exploring diverse educational opportunities at graduate schools and professional schools.

García said the annual Fair will feature representatives from graduate schools, as well as law, medical, dental and other professional schools, who will be on hand to provide information on pursuing graduate degrees. The event is free of charge and open to the public.

García said that as part of career exploration, TAMIU students interested in pursuing a law career can register to attend the Annual Law School Forum, featuring all accredited law schools in the United States and workshops that will take place in Dallas Saturday, Oct. 19.

For further information, please contact the Office of Career Services at 326-2260, e-mail career_services@tamiu.edu or visit offices located in the Student Center, room 114. Career Services office hours are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Friday, and 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday.

 


Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu