Career Planning and Development Center (CPAD) at UTM hosted a series of career fairs from Sept. 26 to Sept. 29, 2023. The first fair was focused on health and human performances, followed by the all majors fair and, lastly, the engineering and technical career fair. Each of these events occurred from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“Whether you’re about to graduate, looking for an internship or networking experience, this event is something that no UT Martin student can afford to miss,” according to the UTM website.
There was a record-breaking amount of companies and organizations that signed up to attend these events and meet students from all over our campus. A few examples include the University of Tennessee Health Science Center-College of Nursing, Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Auburn University- Graduate School.
When entering the room, some of the first booths students could find their ways to the masters programs specifically offered through UT Martin. These included the masters of business, education and agriculture, along with internship opportunities for graduating students through the university and surrounding companies. Additionally, there were different options for graduate studies that aren’t exclusive to Tennessee or the UT System. CPAD had booths set up for masters programs and degree studies through Campbellsville University in Kentucky, and Mississippi State.
When asked by Pacer staff why career fairs are important for students in college, Assistant Director of Career Services Katie Mantooth explained her view and story.
“It’s important for younger students to be exposed to various opportunities they may not have been aware of before but may now be aware of…” Mantooth said.
It’s important to network early, she continued, explaining that freshmen should “ask organizations what they’re looking for as freshmen.” Mantooth expressed that building these relationships and branching out earlier helps students transition post graduation much easier.
When asked how career fairs are important for upper-classmen, Mantooth replied, “Juniors and seniors get an interesting perspective [from part-time to] internship positions, to pursuing masters and grad studies programs.”
“All of the organizations pay to be here to represent Martin.” she said. “Exposure is important.”
When Mantooth graduated from college, she was a communications major. Her first internship was advertising; however, she soon realized she was not a fan of the corporate world. She became a youth director at church, which led to Mantooth becoming an intern at a small non profit. She realized here that she wanted to do something greater than “just make money”.
Even after having three separate internships, Mantooth never realized career services was a career. Through her journey during graduate school, she realized helping students with career services meant so much more than she had realized.
CPAD frequently hosts different events for UT Martin, including career readiness workshops, headshot Friday’s, rentable outfits through Captains Closet, and many more opportunities for students.
