Georgia Perimeter College’s annual Career Day was special for Maria Zavala. This year, the GPC biology major was able to listen to a panel discussion featuring her own mentor, Dr. Melinda Thrasher.

“I came [to Career Day] last year, listened to Dr. Thrasher and heard about shadowing opportunities,” Zavala said. 

Zavala was interested and decided to follow up by first meeting with Thrasher, a medical doctor, as a patient. She then asked the doctor if she could shadow her.

“Dr. Thrasher was so much help,” said Zavala. “She helped guide me in deciding what to do with my degree. I really connected with her.”

The Dunwoody Campus student now has completed her classes and will receive her associate degree in May. She is considering a career in respiratory therapy for infants in neonatal care and plans to attend Clayton State University in the fall.

When Zavala returned to Career Day this year, she was one of more than 350 students attending the fourth annual event at GPC’s Clarkston Campus. Wearing professional business attire and toting resumes, the students packed classrooms to hear panels discuss careers in areas ranging from health care to performance arts. More than 50 different companies and nonprofits sent representatives to share career advice with the students.

Kicking off the event was keynote speaker Stephan Gresham, owner of SL Gresham Corporation. Gresham advised students not to select their careers out of fear of not being employed. “You need to enjoy your career,” he said.

During the morning keynote, a new GPC career and internship website also was announced. The site lists job and internship opportunities available to students.

Tajan Wisdom was impressed by the number of professionals who took time out of their schedules to talk to students. “It shows how people really care about students and want to give back to the community,” said Wisdom, a biology major on Clarkston Campus.

“This was the fourth year for Georgia Perimeter College’s Career Day event, and all indicators were it was very successful,” said event organizer Sarah Vaughan, director of GPC’s Leadership Academy and TRIO Support Services. “I’m hearing from both sides how much the panelists and students enjoyed the interaction. Our panelists mentioned how well prepared the students were—they want to come back next year. And our surveys from the students indicate they want more sessions.”