Oklahoma Christian Hires New Day Six Coordinator

This spring, Oklahoma Christian University brought on Charlotte Hamil to be the new Day Six coordinator. Hamil sat down with The Talon and answered some questions about her new job and what she plans to bring to campus.

Although Hamil works with students now, her life before Oklahoma Christian looked very different.

“During college, my husband and I started up a durable medical supply company. Two months after we opened up, we landed a huge contract with the Choctaw Nation,” Hamil said. “I heard the idea of medical hospice care and fell in love with it. There was no local hospice in Durant, OK, where I am from, so I consulted with my dad and opened one up.”

Eventually, Hamil moved into working for schools. 

After a while of working just on that, I opened a home health with my husband, which we still own and operate. After working in the medical field for 25 years and in the hospice for 23, I took a job as a choir teacher at a high school,” Hamil said. “It was a completely different experience from being involved in the community and working for myself, and this is where I began working with students.”

Hamil shared how her various job experiences have prepared her for this job at Oklahoma Christian. 

“I learned I love being able to help students. I also worked for many nonprofits and organizations, like my Durant program and being on boards in Durant. All of the knowledge learned from my experiences helped me realize that a position like this is just what I needed,” Hamil said. “My husband and I moved here in June, and I knew I wanted to work here and with students. When this one came about, I realized all of our business protocols and working with students was what I wanted.”

Hamil explained the purpose Day Six has on campus. 

“Our office can help students build their resumes, elevator pitch, and prepare themselves for all the skills they will need to become a business professional. We focus on students taking strength tests so we can evaluate their strengths and weaknesses, and then find out where you could best serve in the professional world,” Hamil said. “We also offer coaching and strengths analysis, expert-led workshops and career search and landing.” 

Hamil said Day Six plans to implement a new program soon. 

“The plan we are working on will not technically roll out until next fall, but we are calling it the Eagle Flight Plan. We wanted to continue with the eagle theme and encourage freshmen to start on their professional plan so by the time they are seniors, they will be prepared for what is ahead,” Hamil said. “All are welcome to do it, but it will focus on when the freshman get to campus and being with them every step of the way.”

Hamil described how the new program will operate. 

“Freshman year will be about finding your strengths and thinking of careers after college. If you have not picked a career path or if you need to know your strengths, we will help you work on your resume and feel confident when you leave campus. Sophomore year will chart your classes, look at jobs and graduate school if necessary, hone in on your skills like mock interviews and crafting your story, personal statements and cover letters. We are going to build a reputation with networking brands and get involved with volunteering,” Hamil said. 

“‘Gear up’ will be junior year. We will prepare for your launch through key strategies and internships, and help you find your voice and work on interviews. ‘Take off’ is senior year. We are going to soar off into senior year with confidence. We will have all the reference letters, interview mastery, job searches and job fairs you need while also celebrating your journey,” Hamil said. “Gratitude to those who helped you get to that point will be a large emphasis too. I want to instill the power of connection in students and help them see others, as we are called to serve.”

While some changes to DaySix will be made, Hamil also pointed to programs which will remain the same.

“We will continue to do Life After the Nest events because they are important, although it doesn’t seem so at the time. But when you are off your parent’s roll, these will help prepare you for the real world,” Hamil said. “We will also have Lunch and Learns with on and off site professionals to help students explore different career paths. First, I am wanting HR representatives to come in and talk about what the hiring process looks like.”

Hamil expressed gratitude towards the staff at Oklahoma Christian which encourages student’s success.

“Student success and all the people next door are truly one team. We really help each other with anything,” Hamil said. “It has been really nice to work with them. We all truly want to see these students succeed, which is one of the best parts of this job. We are all actively working towards the same goal.”

Hamill shared some upcoming events Day Six will be hosting. 

“It would be great to see you all on Feb. 21 at our career fair. More details are coming soon in your emails and on our Instagram @ocdaysix.”

Hamil emphasized the role she wants to have on campus. 

“I will be taking appointments on Handshake. If you are not on Handshake, get on Handshake,” Hamil said. “Also, if my door is open, just come check it out. If my door is closed, I am probably on campus somewhere engaged with students. I am going to try and be as present as possible at all events. I want to support you.”