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Students dressed to the nines, business cards in hand, attended the Career Services career fair last Tuesday looking to impress future employers.
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Over 127 companies filled the Union lobby and ballroom, armed with pamphlets and application forms detailing different opportunities for students to match their interests and majors. The fair was open to everyone from all academic disciplines.
Tom Gundlach, a representative from Fastenal Trucking Company based out of Winona, Minn., which has a location based in Utah, has attended the U’s career fair for the last 20 years.
“Meeting students from the U helps to drive the future of our company by meeting qualified individuals,” Gundlach said. “Our goal is focused on finding people with a good attitude who have a desire to be in business and will work hard.”
Maddi Tapp, a counselor with Career Services, said over a thousand U students and community members attend the fair annually. Companies from all over the valley and at least 20 from different parts of the country set up tables hoping to entice future employees.
“The importance of this event is to put students in communication with places of employment that will help them put the education they have pursued at the U to work,” Tapp said.
According to Tapp, if students wish to find success in securing a good career after graduation, the equation to remember is: “Degree + Experience = Career.”
“A degree and experience go hand in hand,” Tapp said. “Each on their own are important to the bigger picture, but together they are the perfect storm.”
Career counselors on site said the key to success at a fair is to follow a five-step process. First, students should be aware of the companies attending. Next, students should research the companies that stood out to them. Third, a résumé should be prepared to hand out to potential employers. Fourth, students are encouraged to talk to the recruiters and be respectful of their time. Fifth, students are advised to follow up with recruiters after the fair with a thank-you email.
Tapp said the importance of students finding jobs will not only pay the bills, but become a meaningful and fulfilling part of their lives.
According to the Career Services website almost half — 44 percent — of new job seekers find their job from networking, recruiters and career services.
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