By Jessica Hayek | Staff Writer
Communications students at Florida International University met with employers and industry professionals last week at a campus career fair aimed at connecting current and graduating students with job and internship opportunities.
Organized by FIU’s communications department and career specialists, the fair featured recruiters from public relations firms and marketing agencies, reflecting the growing demand for students with skills in digital content, branding, and strategic communication.
Gabby Portela, assistant director of the School of Communication, talked about the skills that students should work on as they start their job searches.
She said, “Definitely oral communication, I think that’s something that we have been struggling with a little bit.”
She continues, “Our students are all really talented, they have the skills in social media, they have the research skills, they’re creative, but I think not only our students but all students get nervous talking to people. This is a good opportunity to get themselves out there and talk about all the good work that they do.”
Portela also spoke about the importance of in-person networking in the communications industry. When resumes pile on desks, and employers can’t find a connection with applicants, the opportunity to speak directly to employers and recruiters becomes essential.
Portela said, “Even if students aren’t necessarily looking, it’s always good to practice and talk to people, even if your dream job isn’t here, you don’t want to wait until you’re in front of it and you haven’t practiced.”
Ashley Lemus, a junior studying communications with a minor in marketing, mentioned, “It was really exciting, I was really scared too.” Lemus continued, “I thought I would be really shy and thought I would ramble or get nervous, but I actually got really comfortable. I learned that I could actually talk to new people and it wasn’t that bad.”
For many students, the event served as their first steps toward the job search post-graduation. Daniel Gonzalez, a sophomore studying public relations, who attended the fair, found the opportunity helpful for their job search. Gonzalez said, “I learned about different opportunities in the field that I hadn’t heard about.”
While FIU offers multiple career fairs throughout the semesters for students to attend, this fair in particular is only held once a year during the spring semester.
Portela said, “I think we need to do this more often; we get a lot of emails from our colleagues out there that want to talk to our students.” She continues, “We will probably do this more times a year and try to include other disciplines like art and art history majors or English students as well.”
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