The Return of the Annual Career Fair

By Rebekah Skeens

On February 27, 2018

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Thirty-three businesses have registered to attend the event and recruit potential employees.
Photo Courtesy of Concord University

Concord University once again brings the annual Career Fair back to campus. On Thursday, March 8, the event will be held in the Ballroom, located on the third floor of the Jerry L. and Jean Beasley Student Center. During the hours of 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., students and community members can visit the exhibitor’s booths.

Stephanie Bowles, special events and career services coordinator, states, “The Career Fair gives our students a chance to meet with employers, establish relationships, and discuss potential job or internship opportunities.”

Currently, 33 businesses and establishments have registered and are expected to attend the event. Some of these include Appalachian Regional Healthcare, First Community Bank, Princeton Community Hospital, and the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources.

Besides the many businesses and establishments in attendance, local school districts will attend the fair. Eleven counties are planning to attend, including Mercer, Raleigh, Greenbrier, Fayette, and others. Students looking to receive internships in the educational field are recommended to attend as representatives are specifically looking to recruit students. Students planning to attend a graduate program will have the opportunity to speak with several representatives from nearby graduate schools.

Bowles also emphasized networking, and why she thinks it is important to attend the Career Fair. Networking is a tool which can benefit anyone in the job market, according to Bowles. This tool can help those wanting to make connections with companies or local businesses. Exhibitors are open to speak with anyone looking to be employed. Many times, students receiving jobs directly after graduation are those who have connected with these job seekers. Therefore, it is extremely important to place yourself in front of these representatives, so they have a face to put with a name.

Some suggestions Stephanie Bowles offered for students attending the fair is to go in with a plan. If a student knows which areas of the job market they are interested in, going to those specific booths can help tremendously. When visiting those booths, students should ask relevant questions which will guide them on a path to secure a job. “Developing a pitch that communicates who they are and what they are interested in would also be very helpful.”

“I believe the Career Fair offers students of any status, be that freshman or seniors, the opportunity for growth and experience within their chosen field of study. The fair is also a great way to make connections. You never know who you may meet and where that could lead you,” says junior Matt Shoda, a business marketing major minoring in recreation and tourism management.

He also shares that students who may not be looking for jobs should attend the event anyway. Some tips he shares is to dress appropriately and bring an updated resume with you. Trivial things like that could mean the difference between a good or bad first impression with employers.

Senior Maizy Landreth, a recreation and tourism management major, says the Career Fair offers plenty of opportunities. The exhibitors who attend are ready to offer full and part-time internships to students. For those who have not attended the fair before, she shares, “If you are a first-time visitor, bring some interest in jobs, a resume, dress professionally and be ready to make awesome connections!”

While the Career Fair is mainly targeted toward students, they are not the only ones who can benefit from the experience. It can be a wonderful experience for anyone looking to become employed, change professions, or further their education. Representatives say that they are eager to share information about their establishment with all community members. Those who participate will gain experience with professional relationships and career development.

This event is free and open to anyone who would like to attend or gain more information about a specific job market. For additional information regarding the Career Fair, contact careerservices@concord.edu or by phone at 304-384-6292.