Spring fair brings employers to campus

Students can “take the next step” at the annual spring Career, Internship and Graduate Program Fair in the lower level of the University Center.

At the fair, students network with potential employers, as well as learn more about career and internship opportunities, and the requirements of local graduate programs. Employers attend the fair with the intent to hire employees and interns, and they are open to those who lack experience, said Career Counselor Dawn Clark.

“These employers are looking for PLU grads,” added Ruth Rogers, director of Career Development.

The fair includes employers from business, private corporations, hospitals and healthcare, and the military on day one, and employers from non-profit organizations, state and federal agencies, and recruiters for graduate programs the second day. A separate School District Fair for newly minted teachers is also scheduled.

All students are encouraged to attend the fair. Students who start looking for career opportunities early in their academic career typically make better networking connections and have more confidence when they do need to find a job, said Aubree Robinson, academic and career advisor.

The fair is not only for those seeking jobs, internships or information on graduate school. For example, during the fall fair, several first year students attended the fair as a course requirement and ended up finding a host of volunteer opportunities in the area, Clark said.

Students are encouraged to dress professionally, bring twice as many copies of their resume as they think they’ll need and be prepared to present themselves in a professional manner. Robinson suggests students choose five or six employers they are interested in talking with and research the organization prior to the fair.

Those needing last-minute help on their resume can visit Career Development. Students can also have their resumes critiqued and no appointment is necessary.

“Employers have said that students really stand out if they are dressed professionally and come prepared,” Smith added.

To find a complete list of employers attending the fair and more information about each visit Career Development’s Web site. The site also has tips on dressing professionally.

The office is open throughout the year to help students and graduates improve their resume, prepare for an interview or even find their career direction. To make an appointment, contact the office at ext. 7459 or career@plu.edu.