Students thinking about delaying their entry into the job market can survey their options at the Graduate and Professional School Information Fair Thursday.
Career and Employment Services is hosting the fair for University of Memphis students and alumni interested in programs at more than 60 universities and colleges.
"Whenever you see an economic downturn, people look at improving their skills so that they can be more competitive in the job market," said Clay Woemmel, assistant director of Career and Employment Services. "I think that this trend will continue because employers continue to look for more advanced degrees."
Participants in Thursday's fair will represent a variety of programs, including a large concentration of law schools and programs in healthcare-related fields.
"The fair will also have representatives from all kinds of graduate and professional programs," Woemmel said.
Although students will not be meeting employers face to face, experts suggest that first impressions can be equally important when meeting representatives from graduate programs.
"A good first impression with college representatives is crucial because these are the people who will ultimately decide if you get accepted into their program," Woemmel said. "Getting accepted into a good graduate program is a competitive process."
Students attending Thursday's fair should have specific questions about programs that interest them, Woemmel said.
"Though dress should not be as formal as a career fair or job interview, you still want to make a good impression," he said.
Woemmel also suggests having resumes available for representatives from different programs and schools.
Students wishing to open doors to more job opportunities by completing a graduate or professional degree may also increase their compensation in the working world.
"Graduate enrollment seems to be increasing across the country," said Mike Butler, president of the Graduate Student Association and a doctoral candidate in counseling psychology at The U of M. "People are realizing that advanced degrees will get them better jobs with higher compensation and better benefits."
The Employment Policy Foundation estimates that people with master's level degrees may earn $139,000 more over the course of their lifetimes than someone with just a four-year degree. People with professional or doctorate degrees are estimated to make more than $700,000 more in lifetime earnings than four-year degree professionals.
This year The U of M Graduate Student Association is taking steps to increase awareness about the fair and help ease the transition for new graduate students.
"Our role this year is to promote the event to two target populations here on campus," Butler said. "We're looking to get the word out to current graduate students who may wish to pursue advanced degrees. We are also trying to target undergrads here at The University."
The Graduate Student Association also organized this year's first campus-wide graduate student orientation.
In addition to staffing and setting up Thursday\'d5s fair, graduate students will be on hand to answer questions about specific programs here at The U of M.
The U of M offers graduate and professional degrees in more than 50 academic majors.
The Graduate and Professional School Information Fair is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 23, in the University Center ballroom from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Additional information is available from Career and Employment Services at 687-2239.
