For high school and college students asking “What now?” as they near graduation, a series of presentations at the University of Houston-Victoria can help those undecided on their career to get some clarity.

“Life After College” is a series of free talks that focuses on providing information so that students can choose a major that is right for them or find out what areas exist in today’s job market. The series continues Nov. 16, 17 and 30 with experts speaking from counseling, education and law enforcement.

“This series is intended to introduce students to the real world of work and to get them to think outside of the box regarding their career options,” said Amy Hatmaker, UHV career services specialist.

Hatmaker said many students think only of a business degree leading to a suit-and-tie job at a large company. But she added that a business degree can be useful at companies of any size, from H-E-B to Fastenal.

Those two companies were presenters at Tuesday’s business forum. The forum featured panelists Kenneth Butschek of Liberty Tax Service, David Hagan of Regency Nursing and Rehabilitation, Gus Kroos of H-E-B and Kirby Rollin of Fastenal Industrial and Construction Supplies.

The upcoming programs are geared toward students of any age.

“It’s partially geared toward younger students, but it also can benefit upperclassmen who are nearing graduation and are not sure what the job market is like,” Hatmaker said. “I’ve even had some graduate students asking about the program.”

Hatmaker said the forums are also a good networking opportunity as students may have a chance to speak with the panelists one-on-one after the discussions.

Other scheduled talks include:  

• Careers in Communications and Publishing – 3 to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Multi-Purpose Room of UHV University Center. Panelists will be O.C. Garza of the City of Victoria, Katy Long of Victoria College, and Kyle Schlesinger, an assistant professor in UHV’s School of Arts & Sciences.

• Careers in Counseling and Human Services – 6 p.m. Nov. 16 in the Alcorn Auditorium of UHV University West, with panelists Jamie Rainey, special services director at Edna Independent School District; Jenny Stafford, executive director of Mid-Coast Family Services; and Melissa Correll, career and technical education counselor at Victoria Independent School District.

• Careers in Education – 1 p.m. Nov. 17 in the Multi-Purpose Room of UHV University Center.  Speakers will be Becky Walker of Goliad ISD, Judy Adamson of Lamar Consolidated ISD, and Cyndy Pullen and Stuart Dorenburg, both of Brazosport ISD.

• Careers in Criminal Justice – 6:30 p.m. Nov. 30 in the Alcorn Auditorium of UHV University West. Speakers will be announced.

Hatmaker said UHV’s Career Services Office will host an Education Job Fair from 10 a.m. to noon Nov. 17 in the University Center before the Careers in Education discussion.

For more information, contact Hatmaker at 361-570-4378.