Though some students have complained that past Career Days had nothing to offer them, many agreed this year was different.
In light of complaints Career Services officials said they received, they continued in an effort to bring in businesses — 140 of them ranging from Raising Cane’s to the FBI — that appealed to more than 1,000 students of all majors in the Pete Maravich Assembly Center yesterday.
Mary Belleau, associate director of Career Services, said her office tries to invite a wide variety of employers so all students can begin to establish contacts.
Belleau said Career Services invited 1,800 organizations, and those with job openings attended.
Representatives from the U.S. Navy, Abercrombie & Fitch, Sears, Target, the Louisiana State Police, IBM and the Federal Highway Administration attended Career Day.
Belleau said Career Services receives frequent complaints about the lack of diversity in careers represented.
Because of this, Career Services invites some businesses and organizations that are looking for college graduates of no specific major, Belleau said.
The Career Services motto, “Networking or Not Working,” emphasizes that students who do not make career connections as early as possible may have trouble finding a career after graduation, Belleau said.
Arabia Toure, an accounting senior, said that in the past, some students have had problems finding businesses to fit their majors.
“I think there are plenty of opportunities for students here,” Toure said.
Danielle Chabaud, a civil engineering sophomore, looked for what she hoped would be her first internship.
“There are a lot of things I can do with my degree,” Chabaud said. “My parents thought it would be a good idea to see what is out there.”
Darrus Joseph, a computer engineering sophomore, said he found many potential employers at Career Day.
“These people are very informative,” Joseph said. “I’ve found a lot of co-op opportunities and things I can do overseas.”
Charly Fontana, a Raising Cane’s general manager, said representatives from his company try to attend every semester.
“We are looking for students who are outgoing and friendly,” Fontana said. “The students who usually do the best with us come from human resource management.”
Fontana said he started as a shift manager at Raising Cane’s while he was a student at the University.
“There is a lot of room to move up,” Fontana said.
Special Agent Karen Black of the FBI said she attends multiple college career fairs every year.
“We are looking to put college students on the right track to become special agents — if that is what they choose to do,” Black said.
Black said there are positions available to college graduates, and internships for college undergraduates.
Wanda Horn, a human resource recruiter with the CIA, said the agency is looking for students whose interests range from becoming an agent to becoming a receptionist.
Ron Novak, a Sherwin Williams representative, said the company offers students a variety of opportunities.
“We are offering all positions, from internships to full-time jobs,” Novak said.