2008 Woodie Awards
Career day offers chance for students to shop for jobs
Issue date: 3/22/06 Section: News
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Staff Writer
Career fairs held at North Greenville University provide students with the chance of getting their foot in the door at numerous local businesses. The Career Fair on Wednesday, March 15, in the Tingle Student Center, was no exception, where many of the work positions to be filled could pay the rent and additionally serve as outreach to co-workers.
Dr. Toney Parks, director of career services, felt the Career Fair was a success. "[The Student Center] provided a centralized location of student activity that made the fair more accessible with a festive atmosphere that created plenty of traffic," said Parks.
Many of the businesses involved with the Career Fair were oriented towards associating with the general public. Spinx, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Guardian Building Products and the Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services were some of the organizations who deal with the public on a less-personal, formal level of business where Christianity isn't always expected.
"I personally have faith-based initiatives and am working towards having more faith-based programs in prisons," said Jimmy Batson, probation/parole agent, when asked about Christian motives, considering the numerous appeals and parole applicants who commit crimes. Considering the crimes committed, from traffic tickets to major felonies, faith-based programs would "aid in the rehabilitation of inmates."
Other businesses and places of employment like Generations Group Homes, Inc., Camp Greenville and YMCA are more people-oriented, encouraging relationships between workers and children. These places also offer less-obvious or intentional ministry opportunities.
"I always loved working with kids and ministering to them and the YMCA helped me do that. I get paid to spend time with kids, so how awesome is that?" said Paige Myers, elementary and early childhood education.
Aside from secular businesses, there were also many places offering ministry opportunities. Midwestern, Southern and Southeastern were some of the participating seminaries that were involved, reaching out to future or soon-to-be graduates to continue in their vocations. North Greenville University also introduced its Masters in Christian Ministry program that began this past fall semester. Dr. Parks plans for more church vocations to be involved in the annual Career Fair. "Sound, day care, sign language and other services that churches are beginning to provide as ministries we can introduce to students to help them decide on their careers."
SummerShine has ministry-with-pay job offerings initially founded by North Greenville alumnus Chris Thore, who was present during the Career Fair to talk to undergraduates currently attending his alma mater. "It's a wonderful way for young people to grow in their faith, get some money, live with a Christian staff, but be out in the world," said Thore.
One representative, Zeena Brillantes, Assistant Coordinator for Adventure at Camp Greenville, revealed the mind set of many businesses today. "I'd like to think we're non-denominational, since we're so wide-related. We try to practice Christian values, but we respect other people's denominations. We may do blessings, but we'll say it's a prayer or an optional blessing," said Brillantes. While in a country tolerant of religion, our place within society is still influential in moral aspects.
However, Dr. Parks' view is contrary to Mrs. Brillantes'. "When you look at faith in learning and worldview, one of the things we must remember is it's our responsibility to be salt and light. The world itself is sacred and we must go out and make the secular world a sacred one. One to be preserved and savored," said Parks.
Another one of Dr. Parks' ideas is a Ministry Information Fair featuring different ministry 9-to-5 jobs as well as a gathering of representatives for different careers, coming to answer questions and inform students on possible career paths available. "What other churches are providing as ministries, we can introduce these to students so they can decide what they want to do with their future," said Parks.