Global Career Forum Brings Students, Employers Together

September 14, 2023 at 5:02 pm

By Salleah Brown-Massey, ’24

USC Upstate hosted its annual Global Career forum on Wednesday, Sept. 13, in the University Readiness Center. The forum was an opportunity for hundreds of students to connect with representatives from 10 companies and learn about career opportunities. Students also were able to obtain professional headshots, attend roundtable conversations with each company, and hear career tips from a panel of USC Upstate alumni.

After a welcome from Chancellor Bennie L. Harris, Ph.D., the forum began with the alumni panel discussion. Dr. Ron Garner, ’94, Nikoya Shaw, ’14, Zane Gray, ’18, and Katie Geiger, ’17 shared their insights on topics such as studying abroad, LinkedIn best practices, internships, and how to impress potential employers with resumes. The panel also encouraged students to utilize the career resources and assistance available at Upstate.

For many students, the highlight of the event was the opportunity to network with company representatives during the roundtable discussions. Recruiters answered students’ questions and explained how to apply for internships.

Meeting the recruiters was a valuable part of the experience for Jaidyn Brown, a junior communications major.

“My goal here is to make more connections and secure a future internship,” Brown said.

Bobby Nguyen, a marketing major, said he enjoyed learning more about regional employers. The forum “is allowing me to see different companies and what opportunities they are offering,” he said.

Employers appreciated meeting potential future employees. Shaw, the community impact director for Upstate Workforce Board, told students, “We hope that this will provide us an opportunity to connect with you as you become professionals.”

At the conclusion of the event, students who attended were entered in a drawing for six passport scholarships and one travel abroad scholarship. The passport scholarships cover passport application fees, while the $2,500 travel abroad scholarship covers expenses for a study abroad program of the student’s choice.