The Rogalski Center prides itself on being a welcoming environment for all SAU students. Different departments line its walls, ready to help at a moment’s notice. One of these departments is the Academic and Career Planning Center.
Laurie Harrison, Assistant Director of Career Planning, says, “The Academic and Career Planning Center is here to help students with both their academic and career planning needs.
“We help them decide not just what major they should do, but look at what career path we can help them put together so they can reach their goal.
“I have helped students prepare for interviews, looked at their resumes, and see how those resumes fit for the jobs they are applying for.”
As part of the preparation process, the Academic and Career Planning Center has partnered with schools and employers across the Midwest for Career Fairs.
Harrison believes “Career fairs are an excellent place to hand your resume out and talk to employers about what opportunities they have…It’s the chance to make connections and get that networking going.
“It just allows you to learn more about several organizations and businesses in one place.”
Career fairs have been a staple of the center for several years, with students taking time to attend each one. Marketing major George Rothbardt shared his experience from last year’s fair, stating, “I had an opportunity that I found through the Career Fair, which was the Rock Island Arsenal. It really helped further my portfolio for marketing.
“This year, the Quad Cities Expo was pretty good. It wasn’t as big as it was last year, but there were still a lot of new opportunities that I saw… I’d recommend everyone to go to the Career Fairs.”
Even if you didn’t attend the Career Fair, Laurie has recommendations for all students applying for internships.
“If you are going to apply for an internship, apply to it by tailoring your resume specifically for that internship… The other thing is, look at that internship as a job and reflect on what you are learning about.”
The next Career Fairs will be the Art & Museum Studies Employer Showcase on March 11th and the Health & Human Services Career & Networking Fair on March 27th.
