The Observer, February 1, 2008
Volume XL, Issue 15
Spring career fair to fill Adelbert Gym with potential employers
Students of all majors have something to look forward to at this semester's career fair: a record number of employers are looking for students majoring in the arts and sciences, in addition to the regularly recruited engineers.
Approximately 95 companies, ranging from small Cleveland businesses to multinational corporations, will be seeking both interns and full-time employees at the upcoming 2008 Get Experienced! Internship and Career Fair.
Next Thursday, all Case students and alumni will have the opportunity to mingle with company representatives from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Adelbert Gym. While the focus will be on internships and experiential learning, seniors still seeking full-time employment after graduation are also encouraged to attend.
Students who aren't necessarily looking for a job but who are interested in the career fair are encouraged to check it out. "Attending a career fair is great even for people who aren't searching for a job or internship," says Kristen Francis, experiential learning specialist at the Career Center.
This year's event is at full capacity with 95 employers – 30 more than last spring's 65.
More employers are looking for students majoring in the arts and sciences as they recognize the value of superior communication and critical thinking skills.
Service programs such as the Peace Corps and City Year will also be recruiting students interested in volunteering for a year or two before graduate school or full-time employment.
Bristol West Insurance Group hired Heather Occhionero, a senior statistics and psychology major, after meeting her at last October's career fair. Upon graduation in May, Heather will begin full-time work as a product analyst.
Volunteering at the career fair allowed Heather to select a few employers to talk to. "They recognized me after I directed them to lunch," she said. "People want to talk to you when you have a volunteer name tag. It shows that you have enthusiasm and leadership."
The Career Center appoints approximately 100 student hosts to escort company representatives to Adelbert Gym, accompany them to lunch, and check in on them throughout the day.
"It's much easier to initiate that type of conversation, rather than walking in not knowing what to expect," said Amy Sindelar, assistant director of the Career Center.
Students interested in volunteering should attend the Career Fair Volunteer Information Session on Monday at 5:30 p.m. in Nord 400 or go to the Career Center for more information.
For those who have never attended a career fair, the Career Center is also holding "How to Work a Career Fair" on Monday at 6 p.m. in Nord 400. Students will learn how to use time at a career fair efficiently and effectively, how to make a good first impression, and how to follow up with an employer.
"My first impression of someone comes from how they approach me," said Kristin Hall, operations assistant and recruiting coordinator at thunder::tech, a growing marketing agency in downtown Cleveland. "It's good if they know something about us and ask questions."
On-campus interviewing will begin the Monday after the career fair.
Students may register for events and view a full list of employers on the Career Center website.
