Career Day exposes students' future
Campus Times
March 12, 1999
Senior Lawrence Wilkerson talks with California Highway Patrol Officer
Veda Nunn during Career Day on Tuesday. The event, which has been hosted
by the Career Development Center since 1990, gave students the opportunity
to speak with employees from 66 different companies, ask questions and hand
out resumes.
Continuing its tradition of matching students with employers, the Career
Development Center (CDC) at the University of La Verne sponsored Career
Day on Tuesday. Despite rainy weather, about 200 students attended the event,
which took part in the Old Gym.
Terrie Lopez, director of career development and placement, said she
was satisfied with the outcome of this year's celebration, themed "World
of Opportunities."
Among the companies available at Career Day -- an estimated 66 -- were
KCOP-TV, Camp Max Straus, the Department of Corrections, Equinox International,
and the Medical Board of California. Also featured were representatives
from 10 area school districts, directing those interested in the education
field.
Upland Unified School District, represented by Assistant Superintendent
of Personnel Walter D. Schwartz, has been part of Career Day for five years.
"We're looking for both student-teachers -- which we have right
now in the elementary level -- and we're looking to hire people in the fall,"
he said. He added that the district hires a large number of ULV students
on a yearly basis.
Schwartz also said a prospective teacher must have completed a bachelor's
degree and the CBEST (California Basic Education Skills Test). Starting
salaries for a noncredentialed teacher in one of the 14 Upland district
schools are at $28,116.
That salary is for teachers who have completed a bachelor's degree and
the CBEST. Schwartz said that individuals who have not fulfilled at least
15 units of credential work may find it more difficult to be hired by the
district.
At the same time, however, Lopez said some districts may benefit students
studying areas apart from education. For example, students studying business
management may also use their skills within such a setting.
This, in turn, allows for diversity of qualifications and backgrounds
at any business. That is part for the "World of Opportunities"
theme.
Because La Verne offers a variety of majors, Career Day offered something
for everyone. It allowed students to, in a casual setting, consult employers
about career opportunities, skills necessary for certain jobs, hiring requirements
and career paths.
"It is the best avenue where students and companies can connect
for the sole purpose of of gaining information," Lopez said.
Senior Veronica McClendon, a sociology major, took advantage of such
opportunities. She focused on businesses specializing in her study, including
the AVIVA Center, a multi-service agency for young women.
Marissa Espinoza, AVIVA representative, has been active in Career Day
for three years. She said that positions for residential counselors are
available at the Hollywood-based agency.
McClendon inquired more and learned that for entry-level positions at
AVIVA, starting wages are at $8 per hour.
Overall, Lopez said Career Day had the best turnout because more students'
requests were met. She credited Laura Venturini, coordinator of career development;
Linda Preston, administrative assistant; and CDC work study students for
helping organize the event.
"A lot of good hidden jobs are out there," said Lopez, "and
Career Day helps bring them out into the open."
