YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. — Young Harris College hosted its 2nd Annual Career Week this February. Sponsored by the Office of Career and Professional Development and Director John Beck, Career Week featured a robust list of over 45 registered organizations and 345 student attendees. Through each event, students developed stronger career preparedness, explored opportunities to connect with multiple organizations, and pursued internships and careers across all majors.
To prepare students for Career Week, the Office of Career and Professional Development partnered with the YHC Business Club and its president, Mackenzie Glass, to offer a workshop emphasizing strategies for making the most of any job fair and standing out from the field. On Monday, February 6, students learned how to build a professional network, establish their digital footprints, and stay current within their industries on LinkedIn.
A Successful Interviewing Skills Workshop and Etiquette Dinner were held on Tuesday, February 7. During the events, Nancy Bernard guided students through the crucial steps of making a good impression. Ms. Bernard, a certified etiquette instructor and retired career professional, provided excellent dining instruction for students during a four-course dinner.
The Spring Career and Graduate School Fair, hosted on Wednesday, February 8, was the largest career fair on YHC’s campus to date. With opportunities to discover amazing internships, full- and part-time positions, as well as graduate programs, the fair had options for every major. Mercer University, Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School, the Nantahala Outdoor Center, Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel, and Tigris Fulfillment Partners, LLC were just a few of the organizations represented.
The Camps and Summer Opportunities Fair on Thursday, February 9, allowed students to explore over 25 more immediate opportunities, including Winshape Camps, Blue Ridge Therapeutic Wilderness, Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta, and JACJL Consulting, LLC. While introducing students to organizations for summer internships, the fair promoted successful, long-term connections for future careers. Thursday’s Late-Night Event combined food, fun, and career related games.
On Friday, February 10, the Office of Career and Professional Development partnered with the YHC Honors Program and Director Dr. Kevin Geyer for a Graduate School Panel. The panelists included faculty members Dr. George Boggs, Dr. Jen Julian, Dr. Matt Smith; alumna and UGA doctoral candidate Cassie Hulme; and current YHC seniors Emma Pullium and Caleb Thompson. They shared their personal experiences with graduate programs, answered practical questions, and gave advice about navigating these exciting decisions. Career Week ended with grand prize raffle drawings and the celebration of student successes across all majors.
The Office of Career and Professional Development is committed to providing Young Harris College students and alumni with resources and opportunities to develop essential skills and discover their career identities. Many hands-on learning opportunities, such as internships and work-study positions, are also coordinated through the Office of Career and Professional Development. Career Week is one series of regularly coordinated engagement opportunities for employers and graduate college recruiters who are interested in meeting and interacting with YHC students.
About Young Harris College
Young Harris College is a private baccalaureate and master’s degree-granting institution located in the beautiful mountains of North Georgia. Founded in 1886 and historically affiliated with The United Methodist Church, Young Harris College educates, inspires, and empowers students through an education that purposefully integrates the liberal arts and professional studies. The College has four academic divisions: Fine Arts; Humanities; Mathematics, Science, and Technology; and Professional Studies. Approximately 1,400 students are enrolled in its undergraduate, Early College, and MAT programs. The College is an active member of the NCAA Division II and remains a fierce competitor. For more information, visit yhc.edu.
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