Center for Career and Workforce Development Hosts Health Science Career Fair

Hanceville, AL — The Wallace State Center for Career and Workforce Development recently hosted a Health Science Career Fair in the Peinhardt Conference Center in the School of Nursing and Center for Science. More than 35 employers met with students and shared information about their job offerings.

This was the first of two career fairs organized by the Center for Career and Workforce Development. A Campus Career Fair geared toward students in Academic and Applied Technology programs will be held in Tom Drake Coliseum on March 14 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Christina Holmes, Director of Career Services and Work-Based Learning said events like the Heath Science Career Fair not only showcase potential career opportunities for students, but also help in building networking skills.

“This is so important, not only for our students to come make connections with employers and hopefully pursue a full-time career after graduation, but it's also a great opportunity for them to practice their networking skills,” said Holmes. “As they come down here and get practice in introducing themselves, they get to learn how to have those face-to-face conversations in a professional manner, and they're able to ask specific questions about things like pay and benefits. They really get the chance to learn about all the different opportunities that are available to them.”

Wallace State Nursing students Chelsea Craddock and Erikka Cattling attended the career fair and said it was helpful to speak with employers and ask questions about future opportunities. 

“This event has helped me gather a lot of information on where I can go and what I can do with my nursing skills as a new grad. I asked a lot of questions about residency options available so I can learn on the job and enhance the knowledge I am gaining now,” said Craddock. “I came here with my friend Erikka and both of us got the chance to ask questions and bounce ideas off of each other, so anything she asked may in turn benefit me as well.”

Craddock and Cattling both said their favorite part of the career fair was how welcoming employers were in making connections with the students.

“All the people here are so nice and professional,” said Cattling. “We both had a lot of questions, and they didn’t hesitate to answer every single one."

A representative from Gadsden Regional Medical Center speaks with Wallace State Nursing students.

Traci Howard is the Chief Nursing Officer at Gadsden Regional Hospital. She said she was grateful for the career fair and its ability to bring health science students and employers together to address the rising need of workers.

“All of these people are jewels to us in the field of healthcare because without them we can’t take care of our communities. We are all in desperate need of every single one of them in the room,” said Howard. “No matter where they decide to go and work, I am just so excited that they chose this profession to go into as it is so rewarding and has so any opportunities.”

Most Wallace State Health Science programs are accepting applications for Fall 2024 entry. Dental Assisting, Dental Hygiene, Diagnostic Imaging/Radiation Therapy, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Emergency Medical Services, Medical Assistant, Medical Lab Technology, Medical Laboratory Assistant, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Physical Therapist Assistant, Polysomnographic (Sleep Lab) Technology and Respiratory Therapy are accepting applications through June 1. EMS is also accepting applications for its Paramedic program for this summer. Wallace State Nursing will accept applications from March 15 to May 15 for Fall 2024. The Child Development program accepts new students each spring, with applications accepted Aug. 1 to Nov. 1.

WSCC students seeking career opportunities are encouraged to visit the Center for Career and Workforce Development. Visit https://www.wallacestate.edu/careerdevelopment and https://wallacestate.lightcastcc.com to learn more.

For more information, visit www.wallacestate.edu, call 256.352.8000 or come by Lion Central in the lobby of the James C. Bailey Center Monday-Wednesday 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or Friday 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Representatives from Brookwood Baptist Hospital speak with Wallace State Nursing students.