Student perspectives on the first Oglethorpe Goes to Work Day

Students at Chick-fil-A, Inc.

On Feb, 6, Oglethorpe University sophomores spread throughout Atlanta for the first Oglethorpe Goes to Work Day. Twenty different businesses opened up their work spaces, including Woodruff Arts Center, Atlanta Braves, and The Coca-Cola Company. Students across campus have divided opinions on the initiative and the overall impact of career services.

Oglethorpe Goes to Work Day is the first event of its kind. The idea was first conceptualized by President Kathryn McClymond, then brought to life by Lisa Conley and Karlie Burrell of the Career Development Office. The event had two main goals: to expose students to different career pathways and present Oglethorpe students to the participating Atlanta businesses and organizations.

Students at The Coca-Cola Company

Some sophomores felt that Oglethorpe Goes to Work Day was a valuable experience. Morgan McKenzie '28 attended a law panel at Emory University featuring two recent graduates. "They had a lot of different options for all the majors. Even for me as a law student, I didn’t have to go to Emory. They also had a law firm," she said. McKenzie also stated she that she consistently uses career development services and that the pre-law advisor at Oglethorpe is active and knowledgeable.

Other attending sophomores felt that the experience was not tailored to their field of study. Jo Almond '28 said, “It was a good idea. I think some people had good times and had benefit from it." As an English major, Almond felt that there were not many business options relevant to the field. She went to the Georgia Film Academy, which, to her, seemed the "most interesting." Almond said, "I really wish I had gone to class instead."

Cameron-Scout Colosi-Bontrager '28 did not attend and wished she had. "I didn't see the form," she said. '“I think I would’ve taken advantage of the networking opportunity. I think it would have also given me some clarity on what career decision I would want to take."

Despite the sophomores' mixed reviews of Oglethorpe Goes to Work Day, many

upperclassmen feel that they should have an equal opportunity to network and experience the workplace. "I think this would be more helpful for seniors," said Zuri Pugh '26. “I think [the career services at Oglethorpe University] are lacking. I don't think they're sourcing all that they could. There's no way they can't do more." As a bio-psychology major, Pugh felt that, with the various healthcare options on the list for Oglethorpe Goes to Work Day, she would have benefitted from the experience.

Students at Woodruff Arts Center

Keilana Porter ‘26 reflected Pugh's stance on the opportunities on campus. A psychology major, Porter did not see any definite businesses on the list that would provide a glimpse into the future. “I feel like [the career services] are good for business majors, theater majors, and physics majors, maybe, but any major outside of that, it doesn’t seem beneficial," Porter said.

Burrell confirmed that the goal for the university is to make Oglethorpe Goes to Work Day an annual event. They are clear that this was a “pilot initiative,” so changes and additions will be made in the coming years. 

However, Pugh doubts the proclaimed endurance of the event: “I fear [Oglethorpe Goes to Work Day] is probably not going to happen again.”