Graduate School and Continuing Education Fair gives Scots a glimpse of future possibilities
Sept. 30, 2024
On Wednesday, Sept. 25, 25 graduate schools and programs defied the rainy weather to converge at Maryville College for the second annual Graduate School and Continuing Education Fair, hosted by the Maryville College Career Center. The representatives set up in the Clayton Center for the Arts, where more than 130 eager students perused information booths, soaking in information about the various programs that piqued their interest.
The graduate fair enables students to explore available programs and options for post-MC continuing education, said Dr. Niklas Trzaskowski, Career Center director.
“Students should take time to learn about all the different opportunities available to them after graduation,” Trzaskowski said. “The fair is not only useful for those who want to earn a graduate degree right after they graduate but also for those who may consider earning one in the future. Additionally, attending this fair allows students to continue to practice their networking and communication skills that are crucial to success no matter what path they choose after they graduate from Maryville College.”
Representatives offered students information about graduate programs across 14 schools, including Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Belmont University, Bryan College, Campbellsville University, East Tennessee State University, Furman University, Johnson University, Lee University, Lincoln Memorial University, Southern Adventist University, Tennessee Tech University, University of New England, the University of Tennessee-Knoxville and Maryville College, which offers a master of arts in teaching (M.A.T.) secondary STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).
A graduate fair allows students to consider important aspects when considering post-graduate studies, added Katie Beeson, a representative from Furman University who worked the fair.
“Students need to explore their options,” she said. “You might think you have an exact career path you’re looking for, but you should look and see what else might be best for you. Furman has boutique programs that might not fit your major but would open you up to lots of different career opportunities.”
Maryville College alumna Savannah Stewart ’22 attended the graduate fair as a representative from the University of Tennessee. She was impressed with the turnout and was grateful that students came by her table.
“We’ve stayed busy trying to connect with as many students as possible,” Stewart said.
Trzaskowski said that the Graduate School and Continuing Education Fair was a great success. Organizers received positive feedback from both the participants and the exhibitors, and it was an enthusiastic opportunity for networking.
“Attendance increased by over 60% compared to last year,” he said. “We welcomed students from a variety of majors. I am especially grateful for our team who worked tirelessly to make this event possible. Beyond that, I was especially impressed by the many students who braved the rain and terrible conditions to visit the fair.”
— Contributed by Sarah Shuford, MC Career Center Services Coordinator
