Diamond Jenkins
Blue & White Flash/Managing Editor
As you near completion of your undergraduate degree, you will be faced with new, sometimes difficult, decisions about what to do next. The options are many. You might wish to continue your education by attending a graduate or professional school.
Jackson State University held its annual Graduate and Professional Schools Day, Thursday Sept. 20, in the Student Center from 10 a.m. to 2. This day is used as a tool to recruit students to post graduation options.
Seventy-five graduate schools and institutions were in attendance. Some of these included; Clark Atlanta University, Florida State University, the University of Michigan, and many others.
The event provides juniors, seniors, and graduate students who are contemplating further study upon graduation from Jackson State with the opportunity to meet representatives from various schools.
Alexander Robinson, recruiter for the University of Michigan, Urban Planet Program and Jackson State Alumnus was pleased to come back to his alma mater to recruit.
“It’s very important to attend graduate schools day because most students think they need to get a job. That shouldn’t be the only thought. Students should know that there are multiple options post-graduation instead of having one goal, because if that plan fails, you want to have a plan b.
He added, “I attended this event before as a student, but this is actually my first time being able to recruit. Sooner or later you are going to have to get a higher education especially because of how the economy is going today.”
Hosted by the Career Services Center, this event provided services and resources to JSU students and alumni to help choose a major, develop a personal career plan, learn job search skills and find employment.
Students who attended the event found it beneficial.
“It’s important for students like me to attend graduates and professionals day because it is a great opportunity for us to network with different institutions,” said Rashad Thompson, a senior management/marketing major from Flint, Mich.
Tasha Kenner, senior communicative disorders major from Birmingham, Ala. said, “It is very nerve wracking having to plan for the future after graduation. It’s very beneficial to me when the school hosts things such as this on campus. It is very convenient to have doors opened for you. You just have to take advantage of these opportunities.”
