Story by Richon Carson ’26
Photos by Terry Manning
Students at USC Upstate connected with local and international employers and academic organizations at the Global Career Forum on Sept. 17. The event gave them insights into career and educational opportunities and professional development.
Students dressed in business attire networked and engaged in conversation as they circled between company booths, collecting handouts and exchanging contact information with representatives. Careers in business, marketing, IT and more were among those featured.
In conjunction with the forum, an academic fair held simultaneously allowed students to learn about the different programs offered by Upstate.
“I think it’s important for students to go to something like this because they get to design their future,” said Tierney Bates, vice chancellor of Student Affairs. Because networking, internships, and workforce readiness are important in today’s job and academic markets, students need to be prepared, he noted.
Several students said they valued the opportunity to learn about post-graduation career paths. “Practicing my networking skills and meeting with businesses … is helping me a lot with making those connections,” said Samantha Keremius, a marketing major.
While some students were busy connecting with employers, others focused on learning about some of Upstate’s lesser-known departments. “We’ve been the best kept secret on this campus,” said Ron Fulbright, chair of the informatics & engineering systems department. “What we offer is degrees that will give you lifetime employment in this area of the country at some of the highest salaries of anywhere.”
But the Global Career Forum is not just for Upstate students and faculty. Businesses use the event as an opportunity to introduce themselves to Upstate students. “I love to come back and spread awareness and make conversation with the students to say ‘hey, the opportunity is out there!’” said Kevoyia Casey, head of talent acquisition at Oshkosh Defense and an Upstate alum. “It’s one of those ‘giving back’ (opportunities), as well as making opportunities for all of the students here in the area.”
The Global Career Forum is one of several events USC Upstate holds every semester to help students plan and prepare for the future. The organizers hope to continue expanding the event to include more employers.
More photos from the Global Career Forum can be found on our Flickr album.