By Debbie Alberico
Central State University
WILBERFORCE, Ohio – Central State University’s Career Expo was designed to inform and educate students about what to expect after graduating and on how to effectively begin a career. Scores of Central State University students perused the information tables in the University Center Ballroom on March 14, 15 and 16 at the Career Expo organized by the University’s Center of Excellence for HBCU Corporate Engagement and the Office of Career Services
Business professionals from industries such as banking, insurance, law enforcement, transportation, government, education and others were available for impromptu face-to-face meetings with students.
“It’s a great way for students to not only learn about the value of their major, but also find out about the transferrable skills employers look for in students,” said Dr. Jack Thomas, Central State University president.
Many Central State University alumni were in the professional ranks at the expo. Fifth Third Bank was represented by Central State University alum Taylor Elliot (Class of 2022) and Kenneth Hughes (Class of 2020).
According to Elliott and Hughes, Fifth Third Bank values personal beliefs and needs and seeks to hire people who want to make sure their customers have the very best experiences.
Devin Watkins, associate national bank examiner for the U.S. Department of Treasury, Office of the Comptroller of Currency, who graduated from Central State in 2018, was looking for students interested in internships or full-time jobs. “The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) ensures that national banks and federal savings associations operate in a safe and sound manner, provide fair access to financial services, treat customers fairly, and comply with applicable laws and regulations,” according to the website www.occ.gov. “We serve many economic sectors and value diversity in our workforce,” Watkins said.
Cardinal Health’s Andre’ Love graduated from Central State University 2019 with a degree in computer science. He works in cyber security at Cardinal Health where they say, “Just the way you are is just right for us.” According to Love, he was on campus representing Cardinal Health and looking for the best new talent to join its team.
Kentucky’s Jefferson County Public Schools Human Resources Specialist K. Nicole Marshall and Dr. Stephanie White, diversity hiring specialist, were on hand to talk with students of any background and major.
According to White, the JCPS not only hires teachers, but people in all areas, including business, finance and engineering. Marshall said she was impressed with the students that she met. “They came with resumes and were well prepared to discuss their options,” she said.
