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The 39-year-old Lizella native’s own career beginning in their junior year at the latest? These
threads through educational institutions, from are steps they have to take in order to be
grant writing for Bibb County schools through competitive in the job market.”
program directing at Fort Valley State University
to teaching Upward Bound and TRIO Many Middle Georgia State students fit the
participants at Mercer University. mold as the firsts in their families to go to college.
Others are like Hill – non-traditional students
In the latter programs, which provide uncertain how to transition to new careers. But
educational support to students from low-income the reality is, students from all walks of life can be
families, Robinson-Moffett saw a disquieting astonishingly naïve about effective ways of job
pattern. searching and career development.
“These are often families where having a child “Going up to an employer at a career fair and
apply and get accepted to college is in itself a asking, ‘Whatcha got for me?’ is not good
tremendous accomplishment – and it is,” she said. strategy,” Robinson-Moffett said, describing a
“But they don’t always know that establishing a scene she witnessed herself.
career takes more than getting a degree. Do they
know about internships? Are they looking for Accordingly, she had a big to-do list waiting
part-time work in their chosen field while for her when she arrived at Middle Georgia State
finishing a degree? Are they building a resume, from her most recent job at Mercer University,
assistant director of Career Services.
Dr. Melinda Robinson-Moffett, far right, talks to recruiters from Warner Robins Air Logistics Center during a recent career
fair on the Cochran Campus. SHERON SMITH
16 MIDDLE GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY
