Preparing for the future

Career Services hosted numerous activities last week, and will continue this week with free career service as they help students prepare for the Career Fair on Wednesday, Feb. 10.
While the Career Services Center offers services all year, the Career Fair is set up to encourage students to get prepared for their future in a 10-day span. Some events include a resumé and interview workshop and a “Dress to Impress” fashion show.
“The Career Fair started 25 years ago to get employers and students together,” said Career Services Director Winn Stanger, who helped organize the activities.
The economy has affected the Career Fair slightly. In 2007, a record number of 125 employers visited the fair.
“That has since fallen in half to about 60 employers, but they are some of the best because they supply many jobs for students,” Stanger said. “We changed the marketing we do to be far greater than it’s ever been. That allows employers to know we work to help students and inform them about the fair. This year we have 10 days of events, which is almost two-thirds more than before.”
Marketing included posters, fortune cookies and professionals from the Career Services Center talking one-on-one with students on campus. Jason Stark, a WSU junior majoring in engineering, found a fortune cookie in the Shepherd Union Building during his lunch break.
“I was surprised to find an announcement for the Career Fair and not a real fortune,” Stark said. “I was like, ‘Oh man,’ but whatever, maybe it is my future. Yeah, you never know what will come up in the future, and in about a year I’ll really need a career so I should probably check it out.”
Danielle Snow, a freshman of general studies, works as a job recruiter herself as she helps underprivileged people find jobs.
“I think the Career Fair is a good opening and opportunity for those that have a hard time finding a job to look at lots of options, and for companies to recruit,” Snow said. “The Career Fair happening during these harsh economic times both benefits and hurts students because people are not always hiring, but it helps students be their best to get those jobs.”
Almost all professions are represented at the fair, so that all students who attend will be able to make contact with a possible employer.
“I am worried that there won’t be a lot of engineering companies at the fair because they are not easy to come by, especially when most places have hiring freezes,” Stark said. “I still have some time before I look for a career, so I’m hoping more jobs open up by then or at least an internship.”
Many local businesses, such as Zion’s Bank and Toyota Corporation, came to the pre-fair events. Career Services made it a goal to represent most areas of study so that any major could come to the fair and talk to a potential employer.
“I think many students are unable to attend the fair because they are focused on everyday things and don’t really pay attention to two, three or four years down the road,” Stanger said. “It is critical to come to Career Services early and get as prepared, so they are at their best and well prepared, because for the most part the employers are here offering internships or jobs for graduates.”