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SMWC equine career fair helps students prepare for the workforce

News | 02.28.2012

maneevent.jpgThe Mane Event career fair at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) helps equine students prepare for careers in the horse industry. Students networked with companies and organizations to learn more about potential job and internship opportunities. SMWC hosted the third annual event on Wed., Feb. 29, 2012 in the Le Fer Ballroom on campus.

“The Mane Event combines education, networking and a traditional job fair to expand possibilities for students to investigate the equine industry and interdisciplinary fields,” said Susan Gresham, director of career development. “Our students combine their equine interests with a variety of fields, which opens up exciting new career options.  The horses are the common denominator; however, the event provides connections and new ways of thinking about the application of knowledge, transferable skills and experiences to benefit a wide range of employers.”

The Mane Event opened with lunch and a welcome address by Dottie L. King, Ph.D., president of SMWC.  Following lunch, participants will be treated to a panel discussion with speakers from multiple facets of the equine industry across the state. The discussion focused on equine assisted work and interdisciplinary applications for business equine assisted therapy, education, human services and psychology.

Panelists included:

  • Debbie Anderson, PATH, CEIP-ED, Executive Director of Strides to Success;
  • Carol Boyle, MA, Executive Director of Paddock View Residential Center;
  • Diane Burks, LCSW, LMFT, l Clinical social worker and licensed marriage and family therapist; and
  • Tracy Weber, Ph.D., Director of Kaleidoscope Learning Circle.

Additionally, participants networked with prospective employers and exhibitors to explore careers in the equine community. Equine assisted demonstrations took place in the indoor arena.

Tours of the SMWC’s Mari Hulman George School of Equine Studies were available throughout the day to showcase the College’s unique degree program. SMWC is the only equine program in Indiana, and one of only 20 in the U.S. to offer a Bachelor of Science degree in equine studies. The College also offers areas of study in equine business management, equine science and equine training and instruction.