New Carson Center Games
The Carson Center for Student Success debuted the Carson College Games this spring as part of the college’s ongoing initiative to build a stronger sense of community and help students and alumni develop a lifetime identity as Carson Cougs.
Tony Thompson, former Culver hospitality relations manager for the School of Hospitality Business Management, worked with the Carson Center to develop the idea after attending a National Association of Colleges and Employers workshop discussing a similar event at a different school. “I learned it’s important to connect early with students to show them there’s a fun side to business,” says Thompson. “This event also informs students about their departments and gives them a sense of their ‘home’ within the college and offers workshops to help them become more career-ready.”
As the games’ emcee, Thompson enlisted the help of Butch T. Cougar to kick off the event with a fun trivia session and prizes. Academic departments and student club leaders presented information on majors and clubs available in the college. Breakout workshops focusing on résumé building and LinkedIn followed, with pizza and social networking topping off the evening.
GATHERING INFORMATION AND BUILDING SKILLS
A mix of business and other majors across campus attended the games to explore the college’s offerings.
Lauren Walden and Catherine Sergis, communication freshmen, attended the games to learn more about potential career paths in business. “I’ve been trying to figure out if comm is for me,” said Sergis. “I’m here to learn about other areas of study and job opportunities.”
Vincent Anzalor, a junior in hospitality business management, attended to learn more about business minors as well as to network with others outside of hospitality. Riley Bruce, a hospitality sophomore, sought information about business fraternities, clubs, and the accounting program.
Freshman Haley Arthur attended to learn more about her career and personal interests. She is interested in a finance career in banking, investment management, or perhaps being her own boss. She is also interested in cooking.
“I came to get help with my résumé and explore the business college and its offerings,” said Emily Pierson, a finance sophomore.
SELF-INVESTMENT IS A GOOD THING
“We recognized our freshmen are not taking classes from business faculty until their sophomore year,” said Suzi Billington, Carson Center director. “We want to engage students earlier and connect them to clubs. The more leadership roles they have, the more likely they are to get an internship and a job after graduation.”
At the event, Billington took the mic and encouraged students to “invest in yourselves—the more you build your network, the more you will be successful.”