Health Career Expo helps in job hunt for future graduates

Future graduates and health employers filled the Wehking Alumni Center to network and search for potential jobs at the third annual Health Career Expo.

Office of Career Services hosted its Health Career Expo on Sept. 20. Southeast employer relations specialist Amy Aldridge helped to coordinate the event.

She said this expo differs from the Career Expo hosted at the beginning of the school year as it is set in a smaller and more intimate setting, making it less intimidating for students.

Although the event was mainly aimed toward nursing and healthcare majors, Aldridge emphasized the range of opportunities for other majors, as well.

“There are a wide variety of opportunities available at this expo, from nursing to administration, even down to the business sectors of healthcare,” Aldridge said. “There are so many different layers and levels of healthcare and they’re all hiring.”

Aldridge said a student has had a job offer extended every time this event has occurred. She noted they have received positive feedback from both the students and employers who participate.

Rhonda Williams, registered nurse at the Missouri Veterans Home and Southeast alumna, was at the event in search of upcoming graduates. She said her history with Southeast is what drew her to the event.

“I graduated from here, so that's why I wanted to be a part of this,” Williams said.

Before working at the Missouri Veterans Home, Williams didn't know of the opportunities Cape Girardeau had for healthcare jobs.

Nursing recruiter for Southeast Health Jeanette Dudley was on the search for job-hungry nursing students. She said students who build connections early have an advantage.

Senior nursing majors Bethany Beals and Abby Reichert came to the expo to see what opportunities await them upon graduation and to network with employers.

Beals said this can be a great experience not only for soon-to-be graduates, but younger students, as well.

“This is a chance to open that door to get their feet wet a little bit to see what opportunities are out there,” Beals said.