The Career Information Center (CIC) invited nine professionals in various fields to discuss their careers and experience as part of the Lunch and Learn Career Series from February 12 to March 1.
“As the CIC, it’s important for us to expose students to as many different careers as possible so they can make informed decisions about what to do upon graduation,” Career Development Coordinator Cierra Hill said.
In the February 11 Daily Roar, the CIC advised parents to encourage their children to attend the series, even if the students have not yet decided on a career path.
The series began with architect and North Carolina State University graduate Cameron Westbrook and ended with University of North Carolina marketing student Rob Piscitelli.
“The Lunch and Learn Career Series is a great way for students to meet professionals in the industry they want to enter and possibly get an internship or job-shadowing opportunity,” Hill said.
Senior Christina Nguyen attended the February 19 session with biochemical engineer and lawyer Karen Ware after hearing about it from biomedical sciences teacher Clare Matusevich.
“I’m planning on studying chemical engineering in college, so I thought it would be a good opportunity to hear from an actual professional about her job and get advice,” Nguyen said. “It was really helpful to hear how jobs are interconnected and how you don’t have to be tied down to one occupation for the rest of your life.”
University of North Carolina School of Law professor Rina Lyubkin spoke to students on February 27.
“I think there is a lot of value in this kind of program,” Lyubkin said. “I hope [the students] know a little more than when they first came in about the legal profession and the opportunities within the profession.”
In choosing specific careers and professionals, the CIC took the necessary level of education into consideration.
“We wanted to represent a variety of careers that also reflect diversity in educational level—from jobs that require a bachelor’s or Ph.D degree to jobs that only require a high school diploma or industry certification,” Hill said.
Hill credited parent volunteers and the Parent Teacher Student Association, especially Treasurer Tammie Lindsey, for helping to make the Lunch and Learn Series and other CIC events, including the Summer Opportunities Fair and Spring College Fair, possible.
The CIC plans on continuing the career series next year.
