Evergreen students weigh future options at annual graduate school fair

The graduate fair transformed the library lobby last Wednesday with poster boards, bunches of balloons and a sea of students, college officials and graduate school representatives.

At the forefront of it all was the welcome booth which was operated by Katherine McGee, who spoke about the graduate fair and what it can offer to students.

“I think that the graduate fair is a chance to speak directly to the schools,” said McGee, a program coordinator in Evergreen’s academic and career advising office. “It’s really about making the connection, that’s the big thing.”

People wandered from booth to booth smiling and chatting. Others on the walkway above looked down on them as they passed. Students leaned in to speak to the seated booth attendants.

Students who have not decided what graduate school they wish to apply for used the graduate fair to find more detailed information about the programs they are interested in.

“I’m kind of exploring for now,” said Evergreen student Sarah Reinmann. “I have a few ideas, [The University of Washington] seems really good, but I haven’t decided yet so I hope this helps.”

Other students still have years to go before they earn their bachelor’s degree, but were looking far forward at the fair.

“Graduation’s still a few years off but it’s nice to see what my options are,” said Keith, an Evergreen student who declined to give his last name.

The visiting grad school staff had a good idea of what the students were looking for and were eager to accommodate.

“Most of the students are looking to see what our programs are like, what the requirements are for getting in,” said Sarah Petrich, a representative from Marylhurst University “A lot of them already know the general field of study that they want to enter.”

Graduate school representatives were looking for more than a good GPA at the fair.

“We’re interested in someone who’s interested in making a difference,” Petrich said.

A career and internship fair will be held on November 8 in the library lobby where representatives from local businesses and government agencies will visit to discuss possible career opportunities with evergreen students.

For additional information about the career and internship fair contact Assistant Director for Internship and Employer development Kevin Andrew at andrewk@evergreen.edu.