WEST PLAINS, Mo. – Missouri State University-West Plains will join the Missouri Career Center to host a Career Showcase at 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 19, at the Lybyer Technology Center, 605 W. Main St., on the Missouri State-West Plains campus.
The event will give area residents who are interested in taking classes this fall or considering a career change the opportunity to explore career pathways and obtain more information about enrollment processes at the university, officials said.
“Identifying what you want to do with your life is a process and big decision for all of us. This type of event will help area residents of all ages beyond high school work through that process with guidance from university and state employment officials,” said Dr. Dennis Lancaster, dean of academic affairs. “We’re excited to be able to offer this opportunity to area residents. It’s new for us, and we’re especially glad to have the support and assistance of the Missouri Job Center and local Workforce Development Board.”
“Staff from the Missouri Job Center are excited about the opportunity to participate in the Career Showcase,” added Melissa Robbins, executive director of the South Central Workforce Development Board. “Giving students the chance to learn what it will take to reach their employment goals is an important step in deciding which educational opportunity is right for them to start their career.”
Those attending, especially those in occupational transition, will learn about training requirements, area labor market information, available funding and financial assistance options to help plan for future employment. They will have the opportunity to visit with faculty members and advisers, preview academic programs, apply for admission and reserve a time to schedule classes either through a one-on-one visit with an adviser from the Advisement and Academic Coaching Center for Empowering Student Success (AACCESS) or at an upcoming STudent Advising and Registration (STAR) Orientation session.
Individuals with specific career goals in mind can visit with advisers about the appropriate degree or certificate program required for that career and discuss the timeline needed to complete that program. Those wishing to begin a new career who are unsure or need more information about employability or other labor market information will have their questions answered, as well.
“The Career Showcase will streamline the admission and registration information and processes to a single event, allowing all those interested in attending Missouri State-West Plains to optimize the time spent on these preliminary processes,” said Dr. Angela Totty, dean of student services.
Cookies and punch will be provided, and prizes will be given away throughout the evening, organizers said.
Although free, pre-registration for the Career Showcase program is encouraged. To register, call the Missouri State-West Plains admissions office at 417-255-7955 or toll free at 1-888-466-7987. For more information about the campus, visit wp.missouristate.edu.