Career fair offers opportunity to network

By: Erin Corbett

Posted: 10/7/08

IF YOU GO
What: Career Fair
Where: Carrier Dome
When: Today, 1:30 to 6 p.m.
How much: Free

Career Services at Syracuse University will host its career fair in the Carrier Dome today. The event will take place from 1:30 to 6 p.m. and will showcase approximately 150 business representatives with whom students can meet and discuss potential internships and employment opportunities.

The event will house various businesses, ranging from General Electric to Macy's and the U.S. Marines. Business employers and executives will speak with students in booths, answering questions and reviewing resumes.

There will be some new additions to the event this year. JetBlue Airlines will present an Airstream RV named Blue Betty, the company's mobile marketing vehicle, said Debra Walker, SU's assistant director for on-campus recruiting.

This year will mark the fair's third year at the Carrier Dome. The event previously had been held in Goldstein Auditorium for several decades. The fair's location was moved to accommodate the increased number of students and employers.

"This year, what was interesting to me was the number of new employers coming to campus that haven't been before," Walker said.

Students should come prepared with resumes and interest in possible future careers and Walker said that includes freshmen.

Ryan Spearer, a freshman in The College of Arts and Sciences, plans to attend the event.

"I'm only a freshman, but I am thinking about going just to get a feel of what it's going to be like when I start to look for internships," Spearer said.

Walker said one of the biggest challenges she faces with this event is getting students involved. It's still an opportunity to go to a company, discuss career interests and apply for an internship, she said.

The businesses have the advantage to connect with qualified SU students in several different venues, Walker added. Businesses that return every year are the ones who recognize Syracuse students as top candidates for their business' field, she said.

Macy's, both a sponsor and returning business, maintains a relationship with the university and its students.

Melissa Burke, Macy's college relations manager, said the event helps the company meet students as potential employees.

"I think the most important thing is that we get face time with students," Burke said.

She said when an employee can remember a student from an event like the career fair, it speaks highly of the student.

Despite the current state of the economy, there doesn't seem to be many differences between this year's and last year's attendees. Last year, there were 10 more businesses represented, but Walker said this cannot be attributed to the economy.

As for changes in student turnout, Walked said it could go either way. She said it could be that students want to get in and get a job, or they could be thinking about their future academic goals and not their professional careers.

"I want to be a surgeon, and I want to see what volunteer opportunities are there," said Bertram Russell, a sophomore biology major who plans on attending the fair.

Whether students go to turn in resumes or just scout out the job market, the fair is an opportunity to connect.

"I think it's beneficial for all students," Walker said. "I think they each might be going for a different reason, but I think to make that good impression and to show enthusiasm, you need to start connecting."

emcorbet@syr.edu