Networking options offered to students, alumni at Career Fair

By: Vincent Fernandez / Staff Writer

In an attempt to prepare students with the transition from college into the working world, the Career Services Office will be hosting its Career Fair — one of four hosted each year.

Open to all students and alumni, the fair will be hosted on both the Modesto Maidique and Biscayne Bay Campuses.  Through professional development workshops, practice interviews, career counseling and on-campus interviewing students will be able to practice for their future career paths.

With 76 companies registered to attend, the Career Fair is considered one of the biggest career-related events and services provided to University students and alumni.

“Last fall, the MMC Career Fair attracted 89 employers, and over 1,000 attendees, so it’s a huge event for student and alumni job seekers,” said Kenneth Setzer, an employee at Marketing and Publications at the Career Services Office.

“It’s also an opportunity for the employers to access so many candidates with varied degrees and experiences.”

The Career Fair at MMC will be held on Feb. 3 at the U.S. Century Bank Arena from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.  On Feb. 16, BBC will host the fair at the Wolfe University Center Ballrooms from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Attendees can expect major companies such as PepsiCo, GEICO, Sherwin Williams, Target and government organizations like the U.S. Department of State to have representation at the fair.  By promoting the diversity at the University, the Career Services Office understands the advantages that FIU students bring to the work force.

“Recruiters know that at FIU they can find the diversity and experience they seek, whether for an entry-level position or a more senior appointment. Where else can you find students and alumni from such different backgrounds, from all over the world? That carries a lot of value,” Jairo Ledesma, assistant director in the Career Services Office told News at FIU.

Career Services advises all students to attend some professional development workshops and complete a resumé before attending the fair.

According to Setzer, Career Services is also sponsoring another major event—MEGA Career Week.  During this week, there is an “intensified schedule of professional development workshops designed to help students and alumni get prepared for the Fairs.”

The Engineering center, MMC and BBC campuses will all host selective events for this weeklong experience.

Offering the popular workshops, like Resumé Writing, Interviewing Skills and How to Prepare for Career Fair, Career Services is hoping to accommodate as many students as possible.  As preparation for joining the work force, Career Services hopes that these events provide students and alumni better results for the future.

The amount of information and opportunities available at the Career Fair gives employers a chance to spread their name around campus and to provide support for local businesses.  The presentation of a valid Panther ID and professional attire are the only requirements for a student or alumni to attend.

As the week progresses, the Career Fair and MEGA Career Week will release more information.

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