The Runway Learning Center hosted the fall Job and Internship Fair on Oct. 7 in the Dugan-Gorges Conference Center.
Nearly 100 students attended the event with the opportunity to network and mingle with representatives from 28 local businesses.
The interaction between the students and business representatives was the highlight for Melody Head, administrator of the Runway Learning Center and director of Career Services.
“One of the positives for me is seeing the development of the students as they become more comfortable with meeting employers and sharing the value that they would bring to a company if hired,” Head explained.
She said the event helped remind students that along with having resumes printed and ready to go, they also need to practice networking and learn about how companies hire.
The 2019 fall fair brought some new technology to the plate as well. Handshake is an online career networking tool for college students and recent graduates who are seeking a career.
Head explained using the tool to create the event helped exhibitors and students connect even before meeting face to face.
“This year, exhibitors that attended shared their opportunities on Handshake so the students could investigate for specific opportunities before they arrived. Using Handshake is a great way for students to engage in their own career development.”
Head said that talking with students and exhibitors during and after the event brought insight into what they were able to take away from the experience.
Many students felt they were able to learn how to network while understanding what future careers could be a realistic possibility within their field.
One student said she was surprised that there were opportunities for her in her major even as a first-year student.
“The companies are excited to come to the Newman campus because they have the opportunity to interact with students who have goals in mind,” said Head. “These events also allow the workforce community an opportunity to see the Newman students’ academic knowledge as well as the career readiness skills that are being taught here.”
She added faculty also benefit from events such as the Job and Internship Fair because they provide an opportunity for the professors to interact with employers and learn what it is they are looking for in future employees.
