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Southwest student Coleman Carrier begins his career discovery

By Chris Caldwell 

Southwest student Coleman Carrier
Southwest student Coleman Carrier

For most college students, the ultimate goal of a post-secondary education is to prepare for entry into the workforce. Sometimes, finding that chosen career can be a daunting task especially in today’s competitive job market. 

For Coleman Carrier, a first-year student at Southwest, utilizing the college’s career resources has helped him reimagine what his future career might be. 

Carrier attended Southwest’s Career and Information Fair on Oct. 19, 2022 where students and alumni in all majors learned about part-time, full-time and internship positions with more than 50 of Memphis’ top employers. It’s where Carrier, for the first time, began his career exploration and where he received an interview opportunity with Gestalt Community Schools. By the end of the week, Coleman was offered a job as a substitute teacher.

“I was ecstatic from the start at the idea of a career fair,” Carrier said. “I have not yet decided my major but I am very passionate about teaching others. This job will be the perfect opportunity to help me focus on my future. As a first-time student, I’m still very much interested in exploring Southwest’s great programs in education, musical therapy and civil engineering,” he said. 

A recipient of the Tennessee Promise and Hope Scholarships, Carrier said he is in a good position to explore the programs at Southwest without the anxiety and stress of financial burdens. “These scholarships make it possible for me to discover career opportunities, obtain my degree from a reputable institution with great resources, and graduate without going into debt. You can’t beat that.” 

Carrier anticipates he will graduate in 2024 with an associate’s degree and plans to transfer to the University of Memphis to continue his studies. “I get up every day because I have dreams to follow and choose to follow those dreams at this college. I’ve always been able to reach out to faculty with questions and they are quick to respond. I am impressed with Southwest and thrilled to be here. And I know with the guidance I receive at Southwest, I will definitely have many more opportunities to find my future.”

For information about Southwest’s Career Services, contact Director of Career Services, Brenda Williams.