2008 Woodie Awards
Stand out at the Summer Job and Internship Fair
By: Steve Kunkler
Issue date: 3/19/08 Section: Campus
Students looking for a job that matches their degree and career goals may find the search challenging.
The quest can be even more difficult if a student doesn't have a solid grasp on what to do after graduation.
Today's Summer Job and Internship Fair - held in the Union Ballroom from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. - might help students make a connection.
Students who attend the fair will be able to discuss either possible job opportunities with employers or just learn more about a career or company that interests them.
Sixty-one companies are scheduled to attend the 27th annual fair, including 42 returning organizations, 12 new organizations and seven campus departments.
But before students attend the job fair, they should do some research, said Peg Bucksky, coordinator of the summer job fair.
Recruiters will take notice of students who are prepared, ready to discuss the company or companies they're interested in working for, she said.
Bucksky suggested students follow this model: "You want to introduce yourself, give [the employer] a chance to talk about their organization and ask follow-up questions."
There's not an exact amount of time students should spend with a given company, she said.
Gary Kovach, manager of Belmont Country Club who will attend the job fair again this year, has noticed some students are going to the fair to socialize with friends.
This, according to Kovach, makes the possibility of an individual sticking out less likely.
While students are encouraged to get to know the companies at the job fair, they should remember they're attending the event to get a job or internship.
"Don't get caught hiding in a group," he said. "We want individuals who are self-starters."
Graham Knox, manager of college relations for Giant Eagle, credits the improvements to better information being made available to students.
"There are a lot more resources available to them to help them in their career and job search," Knox said. "I feel it's led to more well-rounded candidates over the years."
The quest can be even more difficult if a student doesn't have a solid grasp on what to do after graduation.
Today's Summer Job and Internship Fair - held in the Union Ballroom from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. - might help students make a connection.
Students who attend the fair will be able to discuss either possible job opportunities with employers or just learn more about a career or company that interests them.
Sixty-one companies are scheduled to attend the 27th annual fair, including 42 returning organizations, 12 new organizations and seven campus departments.
But before students attend the job fair, they should do some research, said Peg Bucksky, coordinator of the summer job fair.
Recruiters will take notice of students who are prepared, ready to discuss the company or companies they're interested in working for, she said.
Bucksky suggested students follow this model: "You want to introduce yourself, give [the employer] a chance to talk about their organization and ask follow-up questions."
There's not an exact amount of time students should spend with a given company, she said.
Gary Kovach, manager of Belmont Country Club who will attend the job fair again this year, has noticed some students are going to the fair to socialize with friends.
This, according to Kovach, makes the possibility of an individual sticking out less likely.
While students are encouraged to get to know the companies at the job fair, they should remember they're attending the event to get a job or internship.
"Don't get caught hiding in a group," he said. "We want individuals who are self-starters."
Graham Knox, manager of college relations for Giant Eagle, credits the improvements to better information being made available to students.
"There are a lot more resources available to them to help them in their career and job search," Knox said. "I feel it's led to more well-rounded candidates over the years."
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