The College of Business at Southern Arkansas University (SAU) sponsored “Classroom to Careers” on October 14, an annual event designed to give students the tools they need to advance their chances in the job market as well as make smart career choices.
The program has evolved over the years, but this year marked a new beginning for the program, featuring more seminars, and more diverse topics than any year before.
“College of Business Dean Lisa Toms has designed this year’s annual program specifically to make her students more competitive with business students from other colleges and universities across the nation regarding career search,” said Amber Amonette, Toms’ senior intern.
This year’s program was successful regarding student turnout. According to College of Business Dean Lisa Toms more than 300 students attended the panel discussions.
The program featured three different sections of speakers. The 9 a.m. section was titled “Going into the Business World,” featuring different seminars emphasizing accounting, information technology, finance, management and marketing.“Going the Right Way” was the theme of the 10 a.m. section of panel discussions. This section highlighted the importance of diversity, “going green” and globalization. This was the first time in the history of the program that there was a section dealing with the “going green” concept.
“We try to always keep the program current to help our students prepare for the future,” said Toms.
The final section of “Classroom to Careers” started at 11 a.m. and dealt with “Going Professional.” Amonette said it was important to maintain the tradition of SAU College of Business alums coming back to give input on what it is really like to go from the classroom to a career.
“This was one of the most successful years of ‘Classroom to Careers.’ It really showed how well the College of Business collaborates with its faculty, alums, and the Business Student Advisory Council members who coordinated and hosted the event. We all work together to make the College of Business a better place,” said Toms.
The College of Business “Classroom to Careers Conference” began in 1978 under Southern Arkansas University President Dr. David Rankin, who was then dean of the College of Business. The program also continued throughout Dr. Gayle White’s tenure as dean. In 2002, Dr. Terrye Stinson revamped the program and it has continued to change each year to help meet the current needs of College of Business students.
For more information on “Classroom to Careers,” or the College of Business, contact Toms at 235-4300 or in BUS 345.
