Graduate and Professional School Fair at TAMIU

By Jorge Aviles

On November 6, 2011

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The Texas A&M International University annual Graduate and Professional School Fair took place on Wednesday Oct. 19, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Student Center rotunda. Coordinated by the Office of Career Services, the fair provided a venue for graduate and professional programs from throughout the state of Texas to offer guidance and information about their offerings to TAMIU students as well as members of the local community.

With informational pamphlets in hand and contact cards at the ready, the recruiters in attendance ranged from those of The University of Texas at Austin, Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law, Texas Chiropractic College, and many more contributing to a sum of thirty entities present for the event. According to San Juanita Perez, the Office of Career Services' Director of Student Relations, the fair at TAMIU is one of the many stops that these universities have or will make as they visit several destinations to broadcast information about post-baccalaureate opportunities in Texas. "It's very important for our students to … get this information so that they can plan accurately and properly for the future," said Perez while discussing the focus of the fair as it relates to students at TAMIU. Carlos Cortez, a Senior Communication Major, declared that he was drawn to the event in response to a looming May graduation day and that the fair served as a reminder that application deadlines are approaching. In addition to seeing TAMIU students roaming throughout the fair asking questions, members of the Laredo community were also in attendance.

"The event is not only open to our current student population. It's also open to ouralumni … faculty, staff, and of course the public in general," stated Perez. Julia Orduña, alumna of Texas A&M University with a degree in Biomedical Science, navigated the fair looking for information about physical therapy programs. Orduña described the availability of information as suitable and that the recruiters had provided the "different vehicles … to find out more about the programs, to better educate ourselves, and get to the degrees we want." Cortez shared a similar perspective. "I'm pretty satisfied," said Cortez in reference to the presence of law school programs at the event which was his main point of interest. Making these connections with graduate and professional programs is one of many stepping stones through the present economic state which has caused a flux in job opportunities for recent college graduates.

Perez explained that in response to concern among students over the reality of job availability, the on campus career counselors have worked with students to explore all of the options available for their immediate and future careers. This effort includes investigating areas not initially considered by students such as graduate and professional school programs in addition to peripheral fields related to their major. As exemplified by Margaret Silva, a Senior Biology Major and eighth through twelfth grade teacher certification student, jobs are a real concern for students. Silva discussed her uncertainties about teaching as a profession right out of college and has been seeking possible options beyond the classroom. "That is why I am … seeking a graduate degree, whether it is in education administration or biomedical science," professed Silva as her reaction to job shortages faced by teachers. The fair provided Silva the chance to investigate her options without setting foot off of the TAMIU campus.

The Graduate and Professional School Fair is an example of the various efforts the Office of Career Services makes to ensure that anyone in need of help in finding their next station in life, before or after the diploma is in hand, has an arm to reach out to. This includes current students, alumni, TAMIU employees, and the community. The office provides career counseling, resumé and cover letter assistance, mock interviews, professional dress advice and many other support services in addition to helping individuals locate potential employment opportunities, all for free. For further information about the Graduate and Professional School Fair or other services, contact the Office of Career Services at 956-326-4473, visit their office at the Student Center room 114, or e-mail at careerservices@tamiu.edu.

(Jorge Aviles can be contacted at Javiles@dusty.tamiu.edu)

http://www.tamiu.edu/career/

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The following is a list of programs in attendance:

Our Lady of the Lake University

Parker College of Chiropractic

SMU Dedman School of Law

St. Mary's University- Graduate School

Texas A&M Health Science Center Rangel College of Pharmacy

Texas A&M Health Science Center-School of Rural Public Health

Texas Chiropractic College

Texas State University