Saginaw Valley State University welcomed 25 employers from across the state this past Tuesday, Sept. 10 as part of its Accounting and Finance employment fair.
The employers, which included SVSU Employer Partners such as Dow finance and Nexteer Automotive, met in the Curtiss Hall banquet rooms to meet with potential SVSU applicants.
Students in attendance had the opportunity to meet with employers ranging from the Federal Bureau of Investigation to Auto-Owners Insurance Company, ensuring that the fair had a wide variety for students to choose from.
Mark VanUnen, a special agent representing the Department of Treasury’s Criminal Investigation department at the fair, gave insight into what they look for in potential applicants.
“Most people overlook the accounting credits,” VanUnen said when describing the special agent position. “You need 15 to qualify. Many students are surprised by that, so we like to highlight that.”
VanUnen’s colleague, Joe Wayvon, chimed in.
“It’s a government job so we’re looking for someone who has that drive.”
VanUnen continued, explaining his experience at SVSU’s job fair.
“This fair is smaller than what I’m used to, but the turnout hasn’t been bad. It seems like most students have some good accounting credits under their belts.”
Attending the fair was Charlotte Power, who is in her 7th year at SVSU, currently completing her MBA program.
“I’ve gone to these fairs for several years,” Power said. “Probably since my 4th year (at SVSU). [This fair is] easier to navigate than the others because of where they held it, but it’s harder to see if there’s the same amount of people.”
Power continued, explaining how the career fairs helped her to build her confidence.
“[I like them because] I get the interviewing experience even when not looking for a job,” she said. “My advice to others is to start coming to them even if you’re not looking for a job. It’s a little daunting to go, but it’s less pressure and a great opportunity to practice skills ahead of time.”
Representing the Michigan Department of Treasury was Marie McFarland, who has been with the Michigan Treasury for 38 years.
“The turn-out has been great,” McFarland said. “It’s been busy, many students have asked great questions and are
interested in what we do.”
McFarland continued, explaining more about her position.
“We are with task compliance, but a lot falls under the treasury umbrella, so there’s something for many majors,” she said. “The Michigan department of treasury is a great place to work. It is public service, and a lot of people find that really rewarding. There’s a great work-life balance, good benefits, tremendous opportunity for growth.”
“People have a perception that’s not accurate about government work” McFarland said. “Being here (at the job fair) lets us share how great it is to work with the state.”
For those interested in attending the next university-wide job fair, on Sept. 20 from noon to 3 p.m. in the Ryder Centers East Arena.
