By Loryn Schuetzle
Aurum Staff
Two of the most life changing events in a senior’s life at the School of Mines are M-Week and the fall Career Fair. M-Week is the time where seniors wear their senior hats with pride, hunt for garters at local bars and march up M Hill to set up their plaques all while welcoming the final chapter of their schooling. For some, the fall Career Fair is crucial in tying up a grown-up job before they walk across the stage to receive a diploma.
So what do these events have in common this September? They both happen to fall within the same week this year. At the end of this month, seniors as well as younger students will have to make some important decisions.
Why did the School of Mines schedule these events on the same week?
“The Career Fair and M-Week just happen to fall on the same week because of the football schedule,” said Mike Keegan, Student Activities Coordinator. “It is not intentional. It just happens like that from time to time.”
Even though the Career Fair falls on Tuesday, Sept. 28, many businesses stay around a few days later to do follow-up interviews. While this would normally pose as a great opportunity for students, on an eventful week such as M-Week, other activities might take precedence.
“I am definitely going to put the M-week activities as first priority,” said chemistry junior Kelsey Koch. “I may be slightly biased seeing as how I’m planning on going to Medical School and there isn’t much use in me going to the Career Fair… but regardless, M-week wins.”
M-Week is full of fun activities throughout every day. The night before the Career Fair consists of an introduction to the homecoming candidates. Tuesday night is a favorite among all ages: free ice cream at Armadillos and a free movie at the Elks movie theater. Wednesday is full of activities in the Quad as well as a hypnotist in the Ballroom that evening.
“It is going to be tough to juggle M-Week activities, the Career Fair, as well as a full class load all in one week,” metallurgical engineering senior J.D. Russo said. “The Career Fair and classes have to take priority over M-Week activites, but I’ll still find time to enjoy the events put on by the school.”
Those three days are prime time for seniors and other students to prep for the Career Fair. Students should be busy editing and updating resumes, ironing suit jackets, fixing hair and hopefully getting enough sleep to look fresh for possible future employers. But with M-Week roaring with traditional activities, students will be forced to make decisions that would normally not be a big deal.
“Occasionally the two events happen on the same week, like this year,” Dean of Students Dr. Patricia Mahon said. “Although it makes for a busy week, students should still be able to participate in the Career Fair/next-day interviews and then also attend any M-Week activities scheduled in the evenings.”
To have a great time staying up late and celebrating or to act professional and be well rested and nail the interview? It is a tough decision but every student will have to decide.
