Despite the lagging economy, Bradley welcomed a record num- ber of employers to the Renaissance Coliseum Feb. 13 for the annual Spring Job and Internship Fair.
According to Interim Executive Director of the Smith Career Center (SCC) Jon Neidy, 153 employers and more than 800 students par- ticipated in last Thursday’s fair.
“We both heavily recruit employers and have a good track record with employers,” Neidy said.
Leading up to the Spring Job and Internship Fair, the SCC host- ed a variety of workshops and events, some specifically aimed at preparing students for the job fair.
The Feb. 7 Feedback Friday allowed students to informally meet with employers to have their resumes reviewed and critiqued prior to the job fair. Neidy said this also helped students establish an initial relationship with potential employers.
“Feedback Friday is a chance to meet with some employers who will be at the job fair in a low pressure situation,” Neidy said. “[The event] reduces anxiety for the actual job fair.”
In an attempt to offer greater assistance to students and lessen their ‘job fair jitters,’ the SCC also hosted a new event, Behind the Scenes, one day prior to the job fair.
The event allowed students to visit the Coliseum to see the layout and plan their visit for the next day. SCC staff members were also around to help students with last minute questions.
“I think it was beneficial for the students that attended because it helped reduce some of the anxiety that comes with the job fair by seeing the layout the night before, asking questions, and so on,” Neidy said.
Despite the record number of employers attending the job fair, Neidy said some students chose not to attend because they didn’t feel like there was anything for them, their major or their interests.
Neidy said these student opinions are an issue the SCC struggles with and he has a hard time understanding how students indicate no opportunities for them.
“Many of the 153 companies that attended the job fair were looking for students of any major,” Neidy said. “While the exact com- pany a student wants to work for might not be at the fair, there are many opportunities.”
Neidy said the SCC staff is happy to help students determine what opportunities are available for them at the job fair. It is still beneficial to go to the job fair and talk with recruiters even if the exact opportunity you are looking for is not represented, he said.
