Shreveport Hosts Career and Internship Fair to Connect Students with Future Employers
Shreveport, La. – On a sunny day, students from Louisiana State University in Shreveport (LSUS) gathered for the annual Career and Internship Fair, where they had a chance to connect with prospective employers. The event, held at the university, aimed to introduce students to various career opportunities across multiple industries.
Among those present was Cortney McCall, Principal of Brown Upper Elementary School, who expressed a strong desire to attract students interested in pursuing careers in education. “You don’t have to have a degree in education to start your journey as a teacher,” McCall said. “We have teacher prep programs that can accept graduates with any major.” She emphasized that students from diverse academic backgrounds, particularly those in the sciences, can make excellent educators.
Opportunities Abound
Students had the chance to explore nearly 50 informational tables and booths featuring various companies eager to hire graduates. Among the attendees was Jailen Rhine, a biological sciences major focused on cellular and molecular biology. Rhine hopes to secure a research position but remains open to a range of opportunities. “That would be my first choice, but I’m really open to a lot of different things,” he shared.
Many healthcare organizations, including hospitals, mental health facilities, and hospice care services, were represented at the fair. Additionally, law enforcement agencies had a significant presence, with recruiters from Bossier Parish and Texas state offices engaging students. Col. Forrest Collins from the Bossier Sheriff’s Office underscored the importance of hiring college-educated officers. “We like college-educated officers because they tend to think more broadly,” he explained. “Our academy is geared more toward the college level, so we definitely like to engage with college students interested in law enforcement.”
Business Recruitment on the Rise
Other industries showcased at the event included financial services, hospitality, casinos, and various business-related fields. Tiffany Robinson, an MBA student focusing on human resource management, noted the strong demand for business majors during her exploration of the fair. “I’m looking for an internship that could hopefully lead to a full-time job,” Robinson mentioned. “The career fair is a great place to work on professional skills like greeting people and how to talk to potential employers. I’ve learned a lot about companies in the area and the type of people they are looking for.”
Positive Feedback from Participants
The director of career services at LSUS, Jennie Flynn-McKevitt, reported a successful turnout, stating that around 200 students attended the fair. She received positive feedback from both students and employers. “The companies I spoke with said they had a great experience, and there were smiles all around,” Flynn-McKevitt expressed. “There were opportunities ranging from internships to part-time work and full-time jobs, appealing to all students—not just those nearing graduation.”
As the event concluded, it was clear that the Career and Internship Fair provided a valuable networking experience for students. Many left with vital connections, insights into various careers, and a sense of hope for their future employment opportunities.
