The Office of Career Planning and Development at the University of Tennessee at Martin is an outlet that provides a multitude of helpful resources to help students complete their college career with success.

One of the greatest challenges students face is figuring out what major they want and what they will do with their major. This resource, as noted by previous CPAD Director Mark McCloud, allows students to get plugged in with the proper resources needed for not only college success but also career readiness.

CPAD hosted its Fall Career Fairs from Sept. 16 to Sept. 18. Featuring over 80 employers and graduate programs, these fairs aimed to connect UT Martin students with recruiters eager to offer internships, full-time jobs and graduate opportunities.

From the Health & Wellness Career Fair on Tuesday to the All Majors Career Fair on Wednesday and the Engineering & Technical Career Fair on Thursday, the career fair week featured opportunities for all students on campus.

“Attending the career fair gave me a better sense of direction for my future and helped me see the different opportunities I can pursue once I graduate,” said Gracie Genung, a sophomore studying social work. “One of the most memorable parts was visiting the table representing careers in social work, speaking with the business professionals gave me a lot of encouragement and reassurance because they even told me that they would love to have me once I graduate.”

These opportunities not only guided students in the right direction as they continue their education here at UT Martin, but they also provided genuine support. It is the hiring managers, business professionals and different educators who allow our students to learn just how obtainable their specific careers are, with the encouragement of individuals already within their dream profession.

Melissa Schell, a freshman studying veterinary science, found particular value in the time allotted specifically for freshmen students during the All Majors Career Fair. “Even though I initially planned to only attend the agriculture and natural resources career fair at the beginning of October, I decided to go to this one as well and was thoroughly surprised, as well as greatly benefited, by the variety of agricultural businesses present!” said Schell. “Studying veterinary science is such a competitive profession, but talking to others who have crossed the finish line and can give genuine advice to students like me who were just in our shoes not too long ago makes my goals, that seem very challenging, a little more obtainable.”

The career fair featured opportunities for all students. With over 200 student organizations for students to be a part of, CPAD’s career fairs put the cherry on top with the opportunities for students to not only become successful throughout their college journey but also in their professional career. This experience benefited the students at UT Martin but also brought CPAD great joy.

“As a student worker at CPAD, I love hearing the many stories of students who find jobs or internships through the career fairs!” said Ella Hasty, a junior here at UT Martin. “Sometimes you might not even know all of the opportunities an employer might offer until you talk with them at the career fair.”

The future leaders of tomorrow are products of the time invested in their future. It is clear that while the career fair has come to a close, its impact on students across campus has left an impression that will remain forever.