Feb. 21, 2007

Nearly three dozen Presbyterian College students representing the private, independent schools in the state tested their interview skills and explored job options at the S.C. Independent Colleges and Universities' Interview Day on Feb. 12.

Hosted at the state capital, the event attracted 43 recruiters and more than 200 students from throughout the state. Among the participating companies were BB&T, Blackbaud, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Milliken, NBSC, Northwestern Mutual, the S.C. State Auditor, SCANA,  ScanSource,  Sherwin-Williams, the Social Security Administration, and two companies – First Citizens Bank and Wells Fargo Financial Services – that were represented by PC alumni.

For the past 14 years, SCICU members have banded together to provide students access to regional and national organizations that might not otherwise come individually to each of the smaller colleges and universities.

With Interview Day, both the companies and students benefit greatly. Recruiters were able to pre-select students they wished to interview after receiving packets of resumes collected in early December. Participating students, then, had an opportunity to interview with as many as six or eight organizations in one place in one day – and had the added advantage of a networking session, as well. Even juniors were given an opportunity to interview for summer internships that may have been offered by participating companies.

"Evaluations of the event by our students revealed that it was a beneficial experience, giving them the opportunity to strengthen their interview skills and explore various job options," said Andrea Long, PC's associate director of career services. "As they conscientiously write their thank-you notes, they are eagerly looking forward to receiving that email or phone call inviting them to come in for a second interview or the next step in the hiring process."

In addition to PC, students came from Anderson University, Benedict College, Charleston Southern University, Claflin University, Columbia College, Coker College, Converse College, Erskine College, Furman University, Limestone College, Morris College, Newberry College, Southern Wesleyan University, and Wofford College.

"Presbyterian College students have always competed strongly in this environment and 2007 was no exception," said Long. "Thirty-three nervous, well-dressed students, portfolios in hand, arrived early on a Monday morning to participate in this year's Interview Day. These initial interviews will, for many students, lead to site visits and perhaps generate permanent job offers for some."

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