The Career Expo provides an atmosphere where employers and students can start a conversation, and students can begin securing an internship, employment, or graduate school admissions

POINT LOOKOUT, MO. — College of the Ozarks hosted over 100 organizations during the fall Career Expo on Sept. 24 in The Howell W. Keeter Gymnasium. The Vanek Center for Vocation & Callings hosts this biannual event with the primary goal of providing an atmosphere where employers and students can start a conversation, and students can begin securing an internship, employment, or graduate school admissions. 

The organizations in attendance included an array of employers and graduate schools located in the Ozarks region. The organizations represent a large variety of employers presenting job opportunities to students of various interests.

“The Vocation Center is honored to host organizations offering opportunities in employment, internships, military service, and graduate education,” said Candace Stark, Vanek Center director. “This event allows students to build meaningful connections, explore career paths, and engage with community and business partners as they prepare to pursue their vocation and callings. We deeply value these partnerships and are pleased to include long-standing organizations that have faithfully supported the College and its students, as well as several new participants joining this year’s Expo.”

The Career Expo provides an environment for students to practice conversing with potential employers or graduate schools.

“I enjoyed attending this event because of the networking opportunities it provided,” said Madelyn Sestak, senior marketing and communications major. “I got to talk with alumni of College of the Ozarks as they worked some of the booths. Where they are now, just a couple years after graduation, showed me the importance of connecting with professionals at events like this.”

“We are especially proud to welcome back more than 50 alumni who are participating in the Career Expo as professional representatives,” Stark said. “It is a privilege to have our graduates return and share their journeys, experiences, and insights with our current students.”

Students at College of the Ozarks network with over 100 organizations during the fall Career Expo in The Howell W. Keeter Gymnasium.

More about the College of the Ozarks Vanek Center for Vocation and Callings

The Vanek Center for Vocation & Callings desires to inspire students to understand their vocation and how to live it out in their various callings. The name changed to honor Dorothy Vanek, a Missouri native whose generosity, benevolent heart, lifelong service, and philanthropy continue to have a ripple effect. Each semester, the Vanek Center facilitates several vocational events. The Vocation Trip is an opportunity for upper-level students to take knowledge and understanding of their vocation and explore practical ways to transition out of college. They visit several company headquarters, connect with C of O alumni, and establish a networking system.

To keep up with the fast pace of technology, the Vanek Center has introduced a major online platform to its toolbox. Hiration is an online résumé, cover letter, and mock interview tool that uses AI technology to ensure the student's documents align perfectly with any desired job description. Both tools are free to students and recent graduates.  

More about the College of the Ozarks Vocational Pillar

The Vocational Pillar at College of the Ozarks aims to promote a strong work ethic encouraging the development of good character and values. In pursuance of this goal, the College’s Work Education Program allows full-time students to work 15 hours per week at an assigned campus workstation. These work hours offset the cost of tuition and give students a significant competitive edge in the workplace after they graduate.