Career Fair Wednesday helps students prepare for life after college

By Megan Bakker
The Collegian

Professional dress and a resume is requested at Fresno State’s annual Career Fair, this Wednesday in the Satellite Student Union, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

With 70 businesses packing the Satellite Student Union, Career Counselor Aleta Wolfe says the job market is “very encouraging for students.”

“They are here to hire at this event,” Wolfe said.

Wolfe also recommended that students research organizations prior to the job fair.

“It makes it easier for students to attend the event,” said Wolfe, adding that sometimes students get overwhelmed.

“They’ll walk in and ask ‘Where do I go? What do I say?’” Wolfe said.
According to one local business, students will also use career fairs to ask questions of potential employers face-to-face.

“They want to know what opportunities we offer,” said Linda Alexander, from the California State Board of Equalization. The board is one of the organizations looking for employees this Wednesday. Alexander said many students ask about pay and benefits, as well as details about the position.

“It really gives you a chance to ask questions to people that you can’t online,” Wolfe said. “Students are so computer driven. This is a little different.”

Many businesses, including the California State Board of Equalization, have moved to online application procedures. Wolfe said with the Career Fair, “you stand out more than if you just apply online.”

Wolfe recommends students come up with a 15-second “commercial” that highlights their background and qualifications as a way to introduce themselves to employers.

“It gets pretty busy in there,” Wolfe said, adding that some of the more popular businesses quickly develop crowds, and the first thing students want to do is differentiate themselves.

“We like to see enthusiasm,” said Alexander, on what the California Board of Equalization looks for in students. “They have to have adaptability.”

Businesses attending the Career Fair come from a mix of employers, Wolfe said, including accounting,

agriculture, engineering and sales. A full list is available at the Career Services Web site:

www.fresnostatecareers.com, including links to employer’s Web sites.

“They can go online ahead of time so they have a plan,” Wolfe said. In general, Wolfe said, “this is a great opportunity to possibly connect with employers.”

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