Common Reader Program to host career clarification event with speed dating twist

Forget the awkward small talk and cheesy pick-up lines; this style of speed dating will not have you locating the nearest exit for a quick escape, however; it could point you in the direction for a future career. UHCL’s Common Reader Program has created an upcoming event for students to ask business, alumni and community representatives about how their majors apply to various industries in unpredicted ways.

The event known as “Speed Calling” will take place Oct. 3, from 3-5 p.m., in the UHCL Garden Room. The event is open to all students and is especially recommended for first-year students, to get a better understanding of how their course load could pertain to a specific career.

Much like speed dating, “Speed Calling” will consist of students rotating around the room meeting representatives from various professions to see if the student is a match for that company. Students can expect company representatives from fields in healthcare, communication, government and education to be on hand during the event.

“‘Speed Calling’ gives community leaders and alumni partners an opportunity to help students explore how they can channel their disciplinary training into innovative, fulfilling occupations,” said Anne Gessler, chair of the Common Reader Program and lecturer of Humanities.

To help eliminate the dreaded small talk that comes with meeting someone for the first time, students should have some general questions prepared and be ready when they sit down with business reps. Students should come prepared to make a good first impression.

“It’s not an interview, but it never hurts to look your best,” said Kris Thompson, Common Reader Program committee member and senior coordinator in Alumni Relations. “I wouldn’t say a suit and tie, but maybe this isn’t the day to wear sweats and a ball cap to class.”

The Common Reader Program is made up of students, staff and faculty across the campus` four colleges. Its aim is to get students to focus on critical thinking and discussion on important social concepts. Each year, members of the program pick a book that fits well with the program’s mission, with hopes that UHCL`s educational reach goes beyond entrances of the campus.

The text selected for the 2018-2019 academic year is “Callings: The Purpose and Passion of Work” by Dave Isay. The documentaries collected show the diverse career paths Americans take to identify their purpose and ultimately their “calling.” Those interested in reading “Callings” can find two copies available for check out and one for in-library reading at the Neumann Library.

“Speed Calling” is the third event in a series of four, which are a part of this year`s UHCL Common Reader Program. Sept. 8 kicked off the series with a screening of “Won’t You Be My Neighbor” followed by a discussion led by Beth Hentges, department chair of psychology and associate professor of psychology, and Christine Walther, assistant professor of psychology.

Event number two, “Find Your Call,” the Garden Room where a collaboration panel, with the UHCL Alumni Association and Career Services discussed the challenges of pursuing a profession on Sept. 17.

If you`re looking for a follow-up date to “Speed Calling,” “Hawk Stories Oral History Day” will end the series on Nov. 6 in the Garden Room. The stories will entail students interviewing seniors or recent graduates about their academic journey at UHCL and their hopes for the future.

“The goal for Common Reader Program is to strengthen our academic community,” Gessler said. “We encourage depth in learning by providing a stimulating environment for the intellectual engagement among our students, faculty, staff and community.”