Career Services prepare students for annual Career Day on Weds.

The Southern University Office of Career Services is offering students helpful advice and interviewing techniques to help better prepare them for their annual Career Exploration Day on Wednesday, Sept. 20.
In the days leading up to Wednesday’s networking extravaganza, career services will host career building workshops and an interview fashion show to help better prepare students for internships, co-ops and entry-level positions that may be available to students at Wednesday’s event.
The office’s workshop series will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 19 in the Lawless Auditorium of Stewart Hall from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Officials in the Office of Career Services said students will receive information on interviewing, resume writing, professional etiquette and advice on dress and corporate culture.
“Make Career Day your top priority,” said Al Barron, director of career services. “Career Day will offer a lot of influential information, networking opportunities and interviews.”
According to Barron, competition for jobs is at an all-time high, so he said it’s essential that students distinguish themselves from other job applicants.
Barron said a student’s resume and cover letter should list all unique experiences, which influenced personal growth and skill development, so that they have an opportunity to elaborate on the details during the interview.
“Students should remember to look professionally and have (their) resumes in hand,” said LaTia Randle, a senior nursing major from Bastrop.
Since dressing for an interview can sometimes be the deciding factor in winning an internship, co-op or entry-level position, “The Career Guide for Students” suggests that both males and females be dressed in a solid navy, black or gray suit. A female’s suit in particular should be a skirt suit.
According to Paul Butler, director of food services at Southern, students should wear their chosen suit at least once or twice prior to the interview to ensure comfort.
To aide students in finding the right interview attire, Career Services opened the “Clothes Closet” located in the career services office on the second floor of the Clark Administration Building.
The annual Career Day will be held in the F.G. Clark Activity Center from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, with more than 70 companies scheduled to be in attendance.
Students from all majors and classifications are invited to attend, and they are encouraged to bring an updated resume with them, and be dressed in professional attire.
For more information about Career Day and how to prepare, call (225) 771-2200.