Sessions of H.O.P.E. Inc held their Second Annual Career Expo on April 24th in room 1100 of the New Academic Building. The Career Expo was in partnership with Inspirational Church of God in Christ Jesus, Inc. and The Office of International Enrollment Services. The careers that were present at the expo included tax preparer, United Nations representative, attorney, IT analyst, project management, marketing, banking and finance, mental health counseling, physician assistant, speech pathologist, teacher, and NYPD careers.
Professionals from various fields spoke to students about their careers. The purpose of the expo was for students to start exploring into their career aspirations and opportunities early along with networking with career professionals working in those fields. Some career professionals shared their experiences about the start of their careers and advice they would give to students who are planning on similar paths.
For example, Paige Davis who is an attorney always knew from a young age that she wanted to help and advocate for people. The people that she looks up to who help others are attorneys which made her decide to choose that career path. “Growing up I see a lot of people made a difference and I realized that they are attorneys. So I said you know what, I know I like to advocate for people. I like having a voice and be able to make changes as far as law and policies, especially if it affects people of color,” said Davis.
After college, Davis became a teacher for two years. With her passion of education, she attended law school and took many educational law classes. Currently, she works for the Department of Education where she works on cases on helping students and parents. Davis advised students who want to become attorneys on the importance of hard work and also a profession where it requires a lot of critical thinking and analysis. She touched up on being passionate about what you do and making sure that this is what you want. “It’s important that you like what you do, not just do it for the money or you want other people to approve of it,” Davis suggested.
In addition to the career fields, the study abroad department were also present for students who are interested in studying outside the United States, along with the daily inspiration table where students can pick up pamphlets and read motivational messages that can help them in their daily lives. Food and refreshments were also served.
Sessions of H.O.P.E. meet every Wednesday during common hour in NAB room 1119. Students can interact with Sessions of H.O.P.E. through social media on Instagram @sessions_of_hope_ or Facebook @SessionsofHope. To learn more about how you can join the group or info about career and community outreach events, contact Sessions of H.O.P.E. founder Jakyra Mcleod via email jmcleod3@oldwestbury.edu.
