Feedback Friday has come a long way since its first event in fall 2002. What was once a small gathering of employers and students now garners more than 68 employers and over 230 student attendees, its largest event yet.
Feedback Friday is hosted by the Smith Career Center twice a year the Friday before the spring and fall job fairs.
“Initially, we only did this during the fall semester, and it was a way for us to connect employers with students because we hear that all the time…and this was a great way for [employers] to help and for students to get help,” Director of Career Development Rick Smith said.
There is a new aspect being unveiled during this semester’s event, however.
“This year, we are adding a new component to it,” Smith said. “The Springer Center for Internships is going to have tables set up with students who did internships this past summer.”
Students can talk to others who have interned at certain places, get feedback about how their experience was, what they did to get that internship and more details pertaining to the internship process.
Feedback Friday was initially created as a way to help students prepare their resumes for the fall job fair, according to Smith.
“The purpose of this event has evolved over the years,” Smith said. “Its real purpose is to connect employers with students. Of course, it’s there for employers to help you with your resume, and I tell the employers I want them to give very frank advice about content that will help them as an employer.”
Students thought this honesty would be useful to their job search.
“I’m considering [going to Feedback Friday],” senior psychology and English double major Katie Conterio said. “I think getting critiques and feedback from real employers who are actually seeking students, that could be beneficial to know what they’re looking for in the job market and [students] can tailor it. I think that could be useful.”
Smith said they pull from a wide pool of applicants.
“We invite members of our employer advisory board, past participants, employers that we’ve met with that have said we want to help and of course, employers from the job fair.” he said.
Smith said they know there are some fields that won’t be as highly represented as others, but they send out invitations to everyone they can.
This is a very critical time of year for recruiters, and the event can give students an edge at the job fair, according to Smith.
“There are other things that go on [at Feedback Friday],” Smith said. “Employers see the students, and they remember them for a variety of reasons, good reasons.”
He said students can follow up with those employers at the event at the fall job fair, which in turn can be “the beginning of networking.”
Smith said talking to employers and becoming more comfortable is one of the most important aspects of Feedback Friday.
Reviews of the event have been mostly positive.
“I always hear that [Feedback Friday] is very good,” Smith said. “They really like it.”
However, Smith said some students find conflicting advice from employers confusing.
The wait times last year were also a focus of complaint, but he said they had several methods to offset this.
He suggested students bring a simple draft of their resume and wear business casual clothes.
The event will be in the Student Center Ballroom from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 pm.
