It’s the time of year when many students perfect their resumes, pull out business garb and put their communication skills to the test.
The University of Idaho’s job, internship and grad school fair, organized by the Career Center was from 2 to 6 p.m. Wednesday in the Student Union Building ballroom.
Jessica Berwick, the Career Center’s manager for employee relations, said the fair is a great opportunity for all students to be exposed to different job and internship opportunities.
“This is an important opportunity for all students — not just graduating seniors — to go and practice their communication skills,” Berwick said. “It’s also helpful to learn about the different industries that are available and what employers are looking for, so students can prepare for future jobs or internships.”
The job and internship fair isn’t major-specific because a lot of the companies recruit for all types of jobs, Berwick said.
“We have a lot of local and regional companies that visit our fair, but we always are looking to bring in new companies from around the country,” Berwick said. “This year we had a couple different companies we haven’t had before.”
Bailey Woods, who will graduate this spring in public relations, said this was her first job fair and she didn’t know so many students participated.
“It is a great opportunity to be able to be exposed to a variety of companies,” Woods said. “It’s a little overwhelming at first, but there is something at the job fair that everyone can relate to.”
Berwick said she knows students who attend the fair get hired because a lot of employers continually revisit the career fair to recruit students. Following the fair, various employers have scheduled interview times on Thursday.
“Each company has their own screening process. There is always that initial kick-off, which happens at the job fair,” Berwick said. “Some employers have open interviews, but most of their interview choices are for students that came to the fair and were narrowed down based on their skills for the position.”
Berwick said employers are willing to train for the positions they offer.
“Students who have fundamental skill sets, (are) great communicator(s), who learn quickly and (have) a good attitude will be wanted by employers,” she said.
Molly Stinson, an intern with the Career Center’s employee relations and marketing department, said she thought the job and internship fair had a good student turnout.
“There were a lot of employers for students to be exposed to, and get set up with interviews,” Stinson said. “This semester, the fair was at a different time, which I think made for a better student turnout.”
Stinson reaffirmed the opportunities the job fair offered students.
“It’s a good chance for students to meet with employers, improve their communication skills, apply for internships and create networks,” Stinson said.
To get ready for next year’s job, internship and grad school fair, Berwick said students should dress professionally and bring their confidence, along with copies of their resumes. Need to tease to Facebook album of photos from the job and internship fair.