As the winter 2023 semester commences, Career Services is planning to hold the Manufacturing and Information Technology Employment Fair. The fair will take place on Jan. 17, in the TSAR from noon to 3 p.m.
Sarah Binder, Career Services Graduate Assistant, said around 35 employers are expected to attend.
“Most of the employers coming to the employment fair are in the manufacturing industry,” Binder said. “However, some companies are looking for IT staff members such as Amigo Mobility, auto owners’ insurance, Dow, Hemlock Semiconductor, and even Kroger.”
Students can come search for a variety of employment opportunities such as full-time employment, part-time work, internships, and co-op. In addition, it is designed specifically for students in STEM majors.
“[This career fair] is for anyone in our STEM fields such as engineering, computer science, computer information systems, biology, physics, math, and chemistry,” said Binder.
Teresa George, director of Career Services, encouraged any student to attend, no matter what stage they are currently at in their education.
“A lot of companies are actually currently looking for freshmen and sophomores because they want to start building those relationships,” said George. “We’ve had a lot of companies that want to get students in and do an internship which sometimes leads into full-time employment.”
Even if a student is currently not searching for a job, the fair can assist in the networking process.
“They are really pushing students to start the employment journey almost as a networking opportunity at first and then once you begin looking at internships you hope to get a job from those opportunities,” said George.
George’s biggest piece of advice to students is to plan out ahead of time which employers you hope to speak to.
“Our employers really want students to do their research ahead of time,” said George. “Employers want to spend more time getting to know the students rather than educating them about the company.”
In addition to that, Binder added another helpful tip.
“I always tell students to practice before the fair introducing themselves, known as a 30-second pitch or an elevator pitch,” said Binder. “Make sure you can confidently say your name, what you’re studying, anything you’re doing right now such as a club or an internship, and anything you want to do in the future.”
The office is open in Wickes 270 to help with resumes, interview preparation and advice and even professional dress clothes at the Cardinal Closet.
“We have free professional dress clothes for students to come in and take what they need, it is theirs to keep, and they don’t have to return it,” said Binder. “Feel free to stop in before a fair and spruce up your outfit.”
Career Services will also hold the Spring Employment Fair on Feb. 3. The fair is designed for students of all majors looking for full-time, part-time, internship, and co-op opportunities as well as networking.
Categories: Uncategorized
