Liberty University’s Career Center hosted a Health Sciences Career fair on Thursday, Oct. 23, in the LaHaye Event Space, connecting students with some major companies in the industry. Students were able to interact with and apply for open jobs (full- and part-time) and internships at employers like Centra, the Department of Veteran Affairs Medical Center, and the Carilion Clinic.
Michelle DeCarlo, a senior studying nursing, said the career fair gave her a chance to meet prospective employers.
“It’s an opportunity to give a good first impression and really get a head start in learning what that program or company is all about,” she added.
According to Richard Glass, director of Liberty’s Career Center, Liberty hosts about 400 employers and about 2,400 students at various industry-specific career fairs each year. From business to engineering and communication to health sciences, career fairs help students in any major make important connections as they prepare to enter their chosen career.
He added that many businesses make it a point to come to Liberty each year.
“They know what they are going to find at Liberty,” Glass said. “What they’re finding is integrity, professionalism, and the education and knowledge base that students have behind them. Employers are really excited (about this). That is why they call us to find out when our next event is.”
Victoria Cox, a 2014 alumna who graduated with a post-master’s certificate in Health Care Management, was at the fair recruiting medical professionals on behalf of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to work at its location in Salem, Va.
“Seeing a Liberty résumé sticks out … you know what to expect from the student. You know what kind of people Liberty is preparing for the professional world,” Cox said. “The Liberty graduate has initiative, motivation, and an ability to think for themselves. Through Liberty’s preparation the student is well organized, flexible, and tenacious. … They have the ability to assess how what they have learned can fit into our organization’s mission and goal.”
The Career Center offers several resources to help students advance themselves, including career guidance, tips for finding a job or internship, and more. Get more information and view upcoming events, including career fairs, on the Career Center website.