Faculty and students from the Forensic Institute for Research and Education, or FIRE, at MTSU, gathered together to discuss career development tools in their first ever student networking workshop.

The event was held Wednesday, Feb. 5, in Room 102 of the Wiser-Patten Science Hall where students from the FIRE program learned about personal branding, forming resumes and marketing themselves through social media. Students also were provided a professional headshot photograph for attending.

Dr. Hugh Berryman

Dr. Tiffany Saul

“Whether students are applying for a master’s program or for a job after they graduate, personal branding is a very important tool,” said FIRE director Hugh Berryman.

Anthropology professor Tiffany B. Saul and assistant advising manager Karen Austin led both sections of the workshop. Saul showed students how to compose resumes, cover letters and curriculum vita. Austin focused on the mistakes and steps that should be considered while building a LinkedIn page.

“This was an opportunity for students to become self-aware and conscious of all aspects within the business world,” said Saul. “These are skills that will be very useful for any student.”

Since its establishment in 2006, FIRE has brought together various scientific professionals to provide training opportunities in careers such as medical examiners, attorneys, social workers, law enforcement and other groups in forensic science and homeland security.

“The key to becoming a professional is learning how to market yourself and maintain a positive appearance,” said Berryman. “You never know who is watching you along your professional journey. We want students to be an individual that any company would have.

FIRE will host lectureship series and events, along with several community projects throughout the spring semester. For more information on upcoming events, visit www.mtsu.edu/fire.

— Carl Coates Jr. (cbc5q@mtmail.mtsu.edu)