For the first time ever in the fall semester, the Career Center is welcoming 80 different companies to campus in two days. The Business and Liberal Arts Job Fair is today in the Satellite Student Union from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The following day is the Agriculture, Engineering and Science Job Fair in the Satellite Student Union from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Aleta Wolfe, career experience counselor, said the previous fairs were scheduled two weeks apart.
The Career Center’s goal is to connect all students with employers.
“I know it’s not easy to go to these things,” Wolfe said. “Look at the list and pick the companies you want to speak with.”
Wolfe suggested that students do more listening than talking during the fair to pick up on what potential employers have to say.
“Some companies have interviews within a day of the event,” Wolfe said. “I remember one year a business rep wrote on a sheet of paper ‘We are hiring’ to assure students that there are jobs out there.”
Companies suggest students do research not only on the position they want, but on the company they want to work for; such as their goals and background.
Between 300 and 600 students visit the career fair each day.
“These companies value Fresno State students,” Wolfe said. “So they will come back year after year.”
Students should follow up with thank you letters for leads and interviews.
Students who enter the career fair will receive a name-tag with their name, major and expected graduation date. They are then encouraged to communicate with employers and ask questions.
“Students will gain insight,” Wolfe said. “You get to ask questions you can’t ask a computer or an app.”
Wolfe said this is a great opportunity for students looking for work soon because there are many seasonal positions opening up.
“That doesn’t mean this is only for juniors and seniors,” Wolfe said. “I’d like to encourage freshmen and sophomores to come and start networking.”
“Collegiate alumni are more than welcome to come to the fair”” many often do,” Wolfe said.
Ryan Agustin, a junior psychology major, said he has heard about the event but has never attended one of the Career Fairs. He is interested in seeing what the event has to offer students.
“I’m hoping to really figure out what it’s all about,” Agustin said. “Maybe it can help answer some questions about my own career path.”
Agustin said he will attend to see which fields have the most job openings and what specific career opportunities he could look forward to after college.
“My goal is to gain a little more guidance,” Agustin said. “What’s out there for me once I graduate?”
Wolfe said going out and meeting people and making connections is the goal of campus events hosted by the Career Center. It is a challenge for students to get a head start on the job search.
“Some classes require participation,” Wolfe said. “It’s important that faculty see the value of the career fair.”
The career fairs have a mix of local and out-of-area businesses.
The final list of businesses taking part in these two events is available on the career center’s website, http://www.fresnostate.edu/studentaffairs/careers/.