During Career Development Week, Saint Augustine’s University students had an opportunity to speak with various graduate schools and businesses to learn more about the many opportunities available to them. Some of the participating graduate schools were North Carolina Central University, Strayer University, Pfeiffer University, North Carolina A&T State University and Meredith College.

Businesses in attendance included Kroger Company, Liberty Mutual, Cisco Systems, Fort Worth Police Department, US States Attorney’s Office and Wake County Public Schools System.

Executive Director of the Belk Center and Professional Nichole Lewis expressed how committed the organizations were in supporting this year’s Career Development Week.

“Last week, we hosted more than 25 different organizations,” Lewis said. “What was amazing was that there were organizations that made the commitment to come to two or three of the four days to recruit our students. It was great seeing students interacting with future employers and graduate school recruiters. The event truly is about ‘planning for your next’ and what the Belk Professional Development Center aims to do in terms of getting our students ready.”

According to Lewis, the kick-off panel, by far, was a main highlight.

“Belindia Scott, a 1994 graduate of Saint Augustine’s University and an employee with Cisco systems, summed up the intention of Career Development Week. Belindia ended the session with the concept of the 3 E’s … you must get your education then get the exposure and then the experience will come.”