On Feb. 13, ETSU’s Career Placement and Internship Services hosted its annual health occupations career day.
This event, which was co-sponsored by the College of Nursing, College of Public and Allied Health and College of Business and Technology, was held in the Culp Center ballroom.
Twenty-six employers from Kentucky, South Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia and Virginia set up exhibits for students.
“The idea for this career fair is to have employers assembled in one location where you can talk to a health professions hiring person directly,” said Calvin Purvis, assistant director of Career Placement and Internship Services. “You can ask them about positions with their organization, what they look for in a rsum and what qualities candidates need to work with their organization.”
Events such as the health occupations career day also help increase the attention level of ETSU and its health care programs, Purvis said.
They also provide an opportunity for students to learn about organizations and network with company representatives.
“We try to encourage good relationships with organizations so that they want to hire ETSU graduates,” said Dan Emmel, director of Career Placement and Internship Services.
Purvis said, “If you can speak with a person from the organization or company, you might make a good first impression and network. You can take an active role in your career, and that’s a good reason to have a career fair.”
Although the weather conditions were less than perfect, this year’s health occupations career day attracted more than 100 students, Emmel said.
Events such as this one aren’t the only way students can benefit from Career Placement and Internship Services, Purvis said.
Students can receive help with rsums, cover letters, ePortfolios, interviewing skills and career planning.
Career Placement and Internship Services also posts an updated listing of available full and part-time jobs, internships, co-ops and seasonal work.
Purvis said the staff members of Career Placement and Internship Services are happy to work with students via e-mail.
“We understand is that it’s difficult for many students to attend events during the daytime,” Purvis said. “That’s why our web site has been developed as a clearinghouse for job opportunities.”
All of these services are free for current students as well as ETSU alumni. Purvis said he would encourage everyone to take advantage of these resources.
For more information on any of these services or upcoming programs, visit www.etsu.edu/careers.

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