Columbia International University’s Business and Career Development Center (BCDC) invited businesses and ministries to campus for a Job Fair in October, offering students a wide range of careers and ministry opportunities. Students moved from table to table, as they connected with possible future employers and brainstormed with them on how to apply their degrees after college.
One of the featured businesses was The Cason Group, a Columbia-based company that advises insurance professionals with creative sales and service. Meeting students at their table was Cason representative Mercy Dirks who said they are offering potential job opportunities and internships, and noted, “our values are aligned with biblical values.”
Also, on hand was Ezekiel Ministries which is led by CIU alumnus Christian Markle, mentoring children in the Columbia area through afterschool programs located at area churches.
The Bible says that you are supposed to disciple, so that is what we do,” said Gregory Thomas, the community engagement manager for Ezekiel Ministries. “The counselors can help with homework, they do Bible trivia, they play games, they have an action-packed time with the kids all at low cost for the parents.”
Another table was covered with rubber ducks. It belonged to Don’t Duck Mental Health, a public awareness and education program that teaches basic coping skills and aims to eliminate mental health stigma at a young age.
Cynthia Villar, director of CIUs BCDC and organizer of the Job Fair said the most important thing she can do for the students right now is generate awareness on the importance of networking even before graduating.
“You never know what doors will open from making connections,” Villar said.
(Photo above: Freshman Ellie Cox looks for potential future opportunities at the Job Fair.)
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