It was a career activity of a slightly different kind. Students sat at tables as the interviewers, asking questions of doctors, nurses, lawyers, judges, engineers, educators, entrepreneurs and more.
Thirty-one students and 35 professionals participated in a Career Day hosted by the SIUE East St. Louis Center Upward Bound’s Math and Science (UBMS) Cahokia-Madison and Scholar’s Academy programs from 1-3 p.m. Tuesday, July 23 in Bluff Hall.
- “Who helped you go to college?”
- “Did you know someone growing up who worked in your career?”
- “What is the best and hardest part of your job?”
- What do I need to do in terms of education, internships and volunteering to obtain a position similar to yours?
For 15 minutes, three to four students sat at tables and peppered professionals with these questions and more. After the buzzer sounded, students visited another one of the 11 tables. Students had their choice of selecting four tables during the brief, informative sessions. The Career Day ended with a 30 minute Q&A with all 35 professionals.
“Caring for patients who are not able to get healthier is one of the hardest parts of my job,” said Jerrica Ampadu, PhD, RN, assistant professor in the SIUE School of Nursing and diversity and inclusion coordinator. “Still, even death is part of the nursing process – helping patients and family through the stages.”
“I always wanted to be a teacher,” said Melissa Schuchart, with the St. Louis County Special School District. “I worked at an alternative school and from there became interested in special education. Your career path may not always be a straight one.”
“My career path chose me. I was recruited,” said Major DeBarry, director of Business Development at St. Louis Community Credit Union. “As an African American, I felt an obligation to give back to the community. I also wanted to show others that they can succeed in the area of business and finance.”
“I love my job. It’s different every day, and I get to help people,” said SIUE alumna and Chief Judge Maurine Schulte, of the Madison County Family Court Division. Schulte earned a bachelor’s in government from SIUE in 1984.
UBMS student Taylor Brooks, a junior at Cahokia High School, enjoyed the law enforcement and medical tables. “I’m leaning toward the medical field,” she replied. “I’m interested in becoming a cardio vascular surgeon. My father’s side of the family has heart problems.”
UB Scholar’s Academy student Charles Aaron, a junior at East St. Louis Senior High School, came to Career Day to learn more about civil engineering. “I want to be a civil engineer. I’m good in math,” admitted Aaron. “Today, I learned I need to take certain subjects like pre-calculus and chemistry.”
“In addition to all of the incredible array of careers that were present, I was pleased to see so many SIUE professional faculty and staff step up and share their personal journeys with our students!” said Desiree Tyus, UBMS program director. “Our students were able to engage in meaningful conversations with SIUE Dean of School of Pharmacy Matt Luer, PharmD, Executive Director of Audits Kimberly Labonte, Facilities Manager Director Craig Holan, Purchasing Department’s Business Enterprise Associate Tara Raburn, General Counselor Associate Jennifer Wagner, SOP Student Advisor Jazmin Pitts and SIUE Director of Military and Veteran Services Kevin Wathen.”
“Career day was a success! Scholars were able to have intimate conversations with professionals in various careers,” said Yvonne Hart, program director of UB Scholar’s Academy. “One of my scholars was extended an internship opportunity.”
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Upward Bound Math and Science and Scholar’s Academy program students talk with area professionals from numerous careers.