RED RIVER

From 3-6 p.m. on March 9 the office of Student Development will host the Red River Career Expo in the Aggie Rec Center.

Preparing for life after college can be a daunting and often stressful time. The Career Expo is a way to help alleviate some of this stress.

The event attracts businesses from all over Oklahoma as well as neighboring states.

Becky Woolever, Career Services Coordinator, described the types of employers who are expected to attend.

“We are almost to 50 employers right now.” Woolever said. “We kind of have everyone attending. We have USD’s, Police Departments, Fort Sill and EZ GO.”

Students are encouraged to attend the event even if they do not see an employer who fits the traditional mold of their major.

“I know a lot of people look around and say ‘Why would I want to go work at a gas station, I have a college degree.’ These places are also hiring for their marketing departments and corporate offices. Have an open mind and maybe talk to a booth you weren’t expecting to,” Woolever said.

All of those in attendance are encouraged to bring an updated resume. If this is the first time an attendee has presented a resume, or if they wish to create a more professional resume, the Office of Student Development is there to assist.

“Do not use templates that are found on the internet,” Woolever said. “A lot of people copy and paste from these templates to the point where I see the same phrases in multiple peoples resumes. Make it your own. And dress as though you are going to an interview.”

The event is also an opportunity for students to practice interviews. There will be a section of the Rec Center set aside for immediate interviews. Students should also brush up on their “elevator pitch,” which is a short and concise way to introduce oneself to prospective employers. Student Development can also assist with an “elevator pitch.”

“Be ready to interview,” Woolever said.

“Engagement is a constant struggle in online learning. It is my job as an instructional designer to ensure my asynchronous courses reach or exceed the same levels of student engagement and interaction as my face-to-face courses.

“Technology helps, and instructors can use multiple modes of media to create authentic learning spaces, but it is difficult and time consuming.”

“Good classroom teachers can shift or pivot on the fly if something is not working in class as she is better at working alone in a study room or at home.

“I get very distracted by people walking by, talking and fidgeting in class,” Bermel said.

Bermel said she does think there are benefits to in-person learning even though she prefers online classes.

“I do feel like I miss out on events and things around campus,” Bermel said.

“Campus life is a huge part of the college experience, but as an adult who has experienced campus life, I really do not feel that I am missing out on much. With online courses, I have made friends in my first semester that I continue to communicate with, and I have more time to dedicate to my job and my family. The flexibility of online course has made my home life not as stressful!”

While traditional in-person classes offer a valuable level of communication and instruction that online classes may be lacking, online classes do offer a high level of flexibility in areas where it would be impossible for some people to further their education due to work or family constraints.

In-person classes also offer chances at friendship, comradery and on-campus

While online classes can also build friendships and lasting relationships, it may be much more challenging through discussion boards.

Whether choosing distancelearning online, or traditional in-person classes, be prepared as there are challenges with each method of study.