Now in its sixth year, the Non-Profit Networking Career Event returned to campus to give students the opportunity to learn more about careers in the non-profit field. Representatives from 14 area non-profit organizations provided advice and answered questions from UTC students.
“This event is another way to bring a whole new set of employers to visit with our students,” Jean Dake, Director of the UTC Office of Placement and Student Employment, said.
Local organizations who attended the event included Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boys and Girls Clubs of Chattanooga, CONTACT of Southeast Tennessee, and McKamey Animal Center.
For UTC student Amanda Shaw, meeting in-person with non-profit professionals was a worthwhile experience.
“As a psychology major who wants to go into the counseling field, this event is perfect for our kind of major. A lot of career fairs seemed to be geared toward the business major. The organizations at this event are where I could see myself working. It was nice to meet with people, and learn about their opportunities. It’s easier than searching on the Internet for hours for jobs and internships,” she said.
Alishea Hixson, a UTC alumna who now works as the event and new media coordinator for First Things First, a local organization focused on strengthening marriages and families, stresses the importance of networking in the non-profit field.
“It’s really about who you know. I started at First Things First as an intern, and was hired after that. Current students should volunteer and do internships. Anything to get your name out there and meet people in the field will help you out in building a career,” she said.
