On Thursday, November 6, Pacific Union College held its 28th annual Career Day in the Dining Commons on campus. Over 70 professionals participated, providing career options and information for PUC students. Professionals ranged from nurses to speech pathologists to teachers. Students roamed the Dining Commons from 10:45 AM to 1:15 PM, picking their way through the crowds of other students to find their areas of interest.

Career Day provides students with the first-hand experience of those involved in their particular field of interest. It is an opportunity for students to make connections with professionals who may be their potential employers one day.

The career consultants also enjoy the chance to spread awareness of their organizations, as well as identifying promising candidates for future positions. Some organizations represented include Loma Linda University, University of Utah and the Federal Bureau of Investigations.

A handful of PUC alumni attended, including Patrick Benner, '84, Barbara (Friestad) Brown, '76, Dr. Derek Sakata, att. '94, Stephanie Kinsey, '00, as well as many others.

Students from various departments and classes explored the tables set up in the Dining Commons, many encouraged by their professors and advisors to attend. Professors find Career Day to benefit students in multiple ways: improving interviewing skills, providing the information required for students to continue or change their career plans and establishing familiarity with areas of interest.

Career consultants were friendly and bright when talking with students, answering the many questions coming from the student body. The tables were each labeled with a place card, and many had balloons, brochures, and pens for the students.

Ashley Reynolds, a junior graphic design major, found Career Day to be helpful. Ashley is interested in art therapy as a career and made an important connection with a teacher who practices art therapy in the Napa Valley. "I like it [Career Day] because it gives us a chance to talk to people in the field," she said. "We get their experience and feedback on what really happens."

Deborah Thornton, '03
Donor and Alumni Relations