Ouachita Stories

Ouachita Baptist University’s Office of Career Services will begin its series of fall events with a Graduate and Professional School Fair on Wednesday, Sept. 24, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. in Evans Student Center. More than 20 graduate and professional schools from Arkansas, Texas and surrounding states will be present at the event.

“The Graduate School Fair is an excellent opportunity to get more information about different programs at one time,” said Director of Career Services Rachel Roberts. “Students can learn about various programs while asking questions about admission requirements and financial aid.”

Roberts encourages anyone interested in attending graduate school after Ouachita to come to the event. From freshman still exploring their options to seniors who haven’t decided their next step, all OBU students can benefit.

“We want our students to connect with the right opportunity when they leave Ouachita, whether that’s grad school or employment in their interested field,” Roberts added.

Career Services is a valuable resource for students exploring undergraduate majors, graduate schools, internships and jobs. The office equips students with solid resumes, interview skills and job search strategy. Career Services also sponsors workshops to improve various skills needed in the work force.

“All of these efforts have helped me grow in confidence as I seek job opportunities, knowing that I am presenting myself and my skills in the best possible way,” said Molly Bowman, a senior mass communications and Christian studies/theology major from Conway, Ark. Bowman is one of many Ouachita students who has utilized Career Services to help prepare for the professional world. “As the working world is exposed to more alumni who are dedicated to professionalism,” Bowman added, “the positive reputation of our university grows.

“Career Services is a tool to help you accomplish your goals, but you have to take the initiative to use that tool,” Bowman noted. “They are there to help you as you prepare resumes and seek out opportunities, but like all things of value, you as the individual must still put in the time and effort required for success.”

Schools and organizations that will be represented at the Graduate and Professional School Fair include: American University’s Caribbean School of Medicine, Baptist Health Schools Little Rock, Baylor School of Law, Christian Brothers University, Cleveland Chiropractic College, Criswell College, Dallas Baptist University, East Texas Baptist University, Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary, Harding University College of Education, Henderson State University, John Brown University, Mississippi College School of Law, Southern Arkansas University, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, UALR Bowen School of Law, University of Arkansas Graduate School of Business, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences’ Boozman College of Public Health, University of Central Arkansas, University of Tulsa, University of Tulsa College of Law and Wheaton College.

The Office of Career Services is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for individual and small group consultation. The following campus-wide events are scheduled for the fall semester:

• Wednesday, Sept. 24: Graduate and Professional School Fair
  (Noon-12:50 p.m., Evans Student Center)

• Wednesday, Oct. 22: Internship Panel
  (Noon-12:50 p.m., Ouachita Commons Alumni Room)

• Wednesday, Oct. 29: Resume Workshop
  (Noon-12:50 p.m., Ouachita Commons Alumni Room)

• Wednesday, Nov. 19: Nonprofit Career Panel
  (Noon-12:50 p.m., Ouachita Commons Alumni Room)

• TBD: Speed Networking

To learn more about career services at Ouachita, visit www.obu.edu/career or contact Rachel Roberts at [email protected] or (870) 245-5593. Follow @OBUCareer on Twitter and Instagram or Ouachita Career Services on LinkedIn, Facebook and Pinterest.

By Chelsea Whelpley