Although the economy is currently in a slump, the Poole College of Management held their annual career fair yesterday.
The fair was held at the McKimmon Center from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. At the fair, students were able to meet with 77 different companies to discuss internships and job opportunities.
“We are hoping that students can obtain employment and internships at this fair. I want students to learn how to network and prepare themselves for the real workforce, and this fair can help them with that,” said Janet Rakes, the career coach for the College of Management.
This fair is held twice a year. Rakes said that the fall fair is usually larger, with over 80 companies in attendance and over 700 students.
“We are really pleased with the turnout. All of these companies wanting to participate in the fair is very encouraging because it means more employment opportunities for our students,” Rakes said.
This was the third year for the College of Management’s career fair, according to Rakes. A total of 443 students checked into the fair at 1 p.m.
“This is one of the best ways I can think of on campus for students to get employment opportunities,” Rakes said.
Jason Stephens, a sales team leader for Total Quality Logistics, said that a lot of companies participate in the fair to get their name out in North Carolina. Companies participating in the fair are looking for motivated students for job opportunities.
“Our business is new to the Carolinas as of this year, so we are really looking for quality candidates and the opportunity to get our name out there,” Stephens said.
According to Stephens, the most important thing for students to do at career fairs is to be engaging and enthusiastic when speaking to companies.
“Anytime you can get in front of potential employers and get some experience, that’s a great thing. Soaking it all in and making contacts is important. This is one of those things where you really get out what you put in,” Stephens said.
There was a wide variety of companies attending the fair, including Amazon, Target, Kraft Foods, and Buckle. There were also a number of companies who were new to the fair, such as Media Two advertising agency. Each company had representatives present to answer any questions students had and to speak about employment opportunities.
Rachel Rumsey, creative director of Media Two advertising agency, said that although not all companies have positions available they are still interested in talking to students.
“We don’t have a ton of job openings right now. We want to get our name out there and get resumes because we never know when our big growth point is going to be. It can happen very quickly, and events like this provide us with the chance to be prepared,” Rumsey said.
Rumsey said that she was most impressed by the students who seemed outgoing and motivated to take charge of their own career opportunities.
“I was inspired by the people that come here and want to talk to me. I could talk about media all day, but when a student comes up and seems really engaged, I want to pay attention. If you can come here and know how to sell yourself, I’m interested,” Rumsey said.
