Where is it possible to speak to potential employers, learn about different industries and possibly land a job for after graduation? As fantastic as it sounds, such an event does exist: the Spring 2014 Career Expo.
This event, which is sponsored by WT Career Services and will be held on Feb. 27 in the JBK Legacy Hall, is a general job fair where employers from multiple fields come speak to students. The Expo will begin at 10 a.m. and end at two that afternoon. There are numerous reasons why Career Services holds this event.
“Its purpose is really two-fold,” Kim Muller, Assistant Director of Career Services, said. “It is a job fair for students seeking internships as well as for students who are graduating and need a job for after graduation. It also acts as a source of information for students who aren’t sure about what they want to do after graduation.”
The Expo is designed to target a large variety of majors, with many diverse companies coming to the event, such as police departments and accounting firms. However, students are encouraged to speak to all of the employers at the event.
“A lot of times your skill set is what helps you get a job versus your specific degree,” Muller said. “A company may not be looking for a History major, but could be looking for someone with problem solving and critical thinking skills, which a history degree would help you get.”
Muller also went on to explain that this event is a great way to make initial contact, and that it is a good idea for younger students to attend the event, as job hunting can be intimidating if one waits too long.
With an expected attendance of around 500 students, the Career Expo is well supported by the students of the university.
“I think it’s a good idea to talk to potential employers,” Francesco lo Sauro, a freshman History major, said. “These days, having connections is almost as important as a degree, and this can really help you get your foot in the door.”
The night before the event will be the Pre-Fair Reception, which will allow students to visit with the employers in a more relaxed environment. This reception will also take place in the JBK Legacy Hall from 6-8 p.m. on Feb. 26. The Pre-Fair Reception is also well attended by students who want to make a good impression on local employers.
“It is important to get to talk to them like that so that you can get to know them and make them have a good opinion of you,” Chance Fox, a sophomore Music Education major, said. “Sometimes it’s not what you know, not even who you know but how well you know them, so this is a good way to do that.”
Overall, the Career Expo, as well as the Pre-Fair Reception, are both helpful ways to meet potential employers, gain an internship or learn about the field one is interested in.
