The Spring Job and Internship Fair, held Wednesday in the arena, had record-breaking attendance, with 132 employers and 972 students – the most students in attendance at a spring job fair ever.
“It was very much a success,” Executive Director of the Smith Career Center Jane Linnenburger said. “We haven’t had over 900 students at a spring fair in 10 years. I think students were excited because we had more employers than usual there.”
Linnenburger said employers got good impressions from the students they talked to.
“We heard many positive remarks from employers about the way students presented themselves,” she said. “We are very pleased with student preparation and attendance.”
Students said employers seemed more available and willing to talk this year than in the years past.
“I went to the fall job fair too, but this time everyone seems more eager to be hiring,” senior marketing major Tim Martens said. “Employers seem a lot more willing to actually walk over and talk to people. So far I’ve talked to seven or eight [employers], and I might see more. I talked extensively with the employers I have seen, and I feel like the fair was successful for me.”
Senior marketing major Hilary Witter said she agreed.
“I started going to the job fairs my freshman year to see what it’s about, and I’ve gone every year to hopefully get better at it, ” she said. “I’ve visited three employers so far, and I’m planning on seeing four more. I really like the job fair this semester. Everyone I’ve talked to has been really friendly so far, and it’s been really easy to talk to [the employers].”
American Red Cross Blood Services Volunteer Coordinator Lisa Balraj said students also seemed more willing to talk to employers.
“This isn’t my first time at the job fair and there were definitely more students coming by [the Red Cross booth] this time,” she said. “We always have certain positions available for students, and there has been a lot of student interest in those positions today.”
For other employers, it was their first time attending a job fair at Bradley.
“We haven’t been here for a job fair before,” Director of Research at The Heartland Partnership Jessica Moroz said. “The turnout has been okay. It’s kind of hard because we’re at a booth right next to Red Frog [Events], and a lot of students are attracted to their booth. It’s a possibility that we’ll come back next year.”
Executive Assistant at The Heartland Partnership Kelsey Wright said she thinks attending the job fair is good for her company.
“Everyone who has come by has seen our website,” she said. “It’s a really good opportunity for our company. We’re definitely getting our name out there by being here.”
