The Department of Defense and FAMU hosted the DOD/HBCU Symposium Wednesday to commemorate Black History Month and to educate administrators on the DOD.
The symposium was designed to teach administrators from more than 30 historically black colleges and universities the finer points of government agencies.
From there, administrators can pass along information to their respective students.
Representatives from Bethune-Cookman College were among the 30 schools in attendance.
“The DOD presentation shows administrators how to get information,” said Deanna L. Sosnowski, the deputy of Manpower Equal Opportunity Branch, Marine Corps.
Sosnowski said the symposium was beneficial to students, especially those choosing a government career path.
Roosevelt Glevis, 21, said he has considered the government as a career choice. He recently returned to school after spending more than four months in Kuwait and Iraq.
“(The government) is a possibility,” said the junior business administration student from Fort Lauderdale.
Though it may seem uncommon for a business student to be interested in the military and the government, Mylechia Middleton said there is more to the military than going to war.
“I have worked for the Marine Corps for 11 years,” said Middleton, a human resource specialist
Middleton was part of a panel discussion concerning internships and civilian employment.
“Our employees are not in uniform and there is no specific required major,” she said.
Other areas, like research and development, also employ civilians.
Rick Tallarigo, a psychologist and the director of research for the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute, said the research department is also in need of more people.
“We are looking for researchers in behavioral and social sciences,” he said. “They will study demographics to understand relationships and to resolve conflicts.”
Tallarigo said the positions are usually offered to collegiate faculty members, but that there are opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students.
Glevis said he did not expect to see as many career choices in the government sector as he did.
“The DOD has more opportunities than I expected,” he said.
Sosnowski agreed.
“The government has a lot to offer,” she said. “But it is structured and many become frustrated by that.”
For those who may be considering working for the government after graduation, Sosnowski advised:
“If (you) have heart, (you) can answer the challenge.”
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