Students bridge gap between classroom learning, workplace training at SC State Career Day Extravaganza

ORANGEBURG, S.C. — South Carolina State University students had an opportunity to network with more than 100 recruiters from a variety of fields, including education, business and industry, during the university’s annual Career Day Extravaganza. 

For Kameron Sutton, a junior civil engineering major from Decatur, Georgia, the event represented more than an opportunity to explore potential careers. Sutton attended the career fair for the third time, this year representing Balfour Beatty Construction, where he serves as an intern. 

Chris Nash, the regional human resources coordinator for Balfour Beatty, provided Sutton with an internship and a part-time position with the company after meeting him during last semester’s career fair. 

“This was the first one I got to work. I also actually represent Balfour Beatty Construction. We are a construction company, and I work on the infrastructure side, where we do bridges and roadways. In Santee, South Carolina, I’m working on the construction of the new bridge over Lake Marion,” Sutton said. 

Sutton said he was representing both the company and the university at the career fair. 

“I’m representing South Carolina State and Balfour Beatty in a good light. I work with them every day, and it really is a good company. To be an ambassador for it is amazing,” Sutton said. 

He said the career fairs have helped prepare him for success. 

“Having these events gave me the chance to sharpen my talking skills. It gave my elevator pitch a perfect 30 seconds because I understood that it’s going to be hundreds of students at these tables, but if you’re the one that sticks out, you’re the one that gets the job,” Sutton said. 

“We’ve had the privilege to be able to come back several times and connect with students like Kam Sutton, who’s fantastic and very professional, confident and disciplined. We’re just looking to find some great talent like him and hopefully offer them a summer internship,” Nash said. “That can lead to full-time employment.” 

The event was held Sept. 24 at Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center, which was filled with students interacting face-to-face with potential employers. 

“The goal was to provide a venue for students and alumni to engage and explore a wide variety of internships, co-op, full- and part-time jobs and graduate school opportunities. That’s what a career fair does,” SC State Career Center Director Joseph B. Thomas Jr. said. 

AgFirst Farm Credit Bank, BMW Manufacturing Co., Blythe Construction and the Charleston County School District were among the businesses, industries, school districts and graduate and professional schools represented at the event. 

“More than 60 businesses, industries, school districts and graduate schools with over 100 recruiters participated in our Career Week activities,” Thomas said.   

Students gain insight into career opportunities 

Mark Bryson, a senior nuclear engineering major from Gotha, Florida, said he appreciated the connections he was able to make at the career fair. 

“Even if you know what kind of person you are, or what kind of things you’re looking for, always be open to seeing what other people have to say because you never know what other doors they may be able to open for you,” he said. 

Towarus Howell, a junior physical education major from Orangeburg, said becoming a physical trainer or physical education coach was among his career goals. 

He said he learned that he could use his degree in a variety of ways. 

“I found out I can get a job with the VA to be a trainer. It’s broadening my horizons to look outside of school districts,” Howell said. 

He said his advisers at SC State have helped him lay a foundation for success. 

“It’s about how you network and communicate with your advisers and people in that set department,” Howell said. 

Kailynd Woods, a junior social work major from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, said establishing a career in social services, particularly with juveniles, was among her future goals. 

She said the career fair opened many opportunities for her, including possibilities for scholarships and internships. 

“South Carolina State has given me plenty of opportunities to find a good future job,” Woods said. 

Savannah Nobles, a sophomore political science/pre-law major from Indianapolis, Indiana, also attended the career fair. She said she wants to attend law school after graduation and eventually open her own law firm. 

Nobles said SC State has helped her develop career-readiness skills. 

“I will say it prepared me to be more focused on time management, how to balance home life and school life and making deadlines, along with making sure I’m able to build a resume,” she said.   

Recruiters connect with students 

Brian Ensminger, the residential sales manager for IQ Fiber, a fiber-optic internet service provider, was among the other recruiters at the event. 

“The resumes I’ve seen so far look really good. There’s good content in all of them. General advice would be to know your core skills and competencies and speak confidently to your ability to achieve those things,” he said. 

Dr. Tammy Finney, national deputy director of programs for the Department of Veterans Affairs, said the agency was interested in connecting with SC State students. 

“We want to be a part of the foundational education for the SCSU students and let them know that they have opportunities for future engagement with the VA to provide care for veterans,” she said. 

Craig Ross, an education specialist with the Federal Bureau of Prisons and an SC State alumnus, said he was happy to participate in the career fair.   

“I’m going to always come home and give my best to SC State,” he said. 

He said career fairs provide students with the information they need to further their future goals. 

“A lot of students just don’t know what they got at their fingertips. As far as the federal system is concerned, one simple website they can use is USAJOBS.gov,” Ross said.  

“I hope that they can pick up something from not just me, but someone else out here that can help them help someone else. That’s the key,” Ross said.