Career fair attracts more than 100 employers to campus
Career Fair at the Carrier Dome
What: Center for Career Services’ career fair
When: Today, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Carrier Dome
How much: Free
Students looking for a job or internship will have the opportunity to browse businesses during the annual career fair held Wednesday in the Carrier Dome.
The event is scheduled to take place from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and will offer students the opportunity to network with companies and discuss career opportunities.
‘We look for people who are energetic and those who can focus their energy on getting their work done,’ said Lawrence Levy, a representative for General Electric. ‘We look for people who present themselves well. A firm handshake, that’s impressive.’
Sponsors GE, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Macy’s, Deloitte and PricewaterhouseCoopers are typically the most popular booths. But students can also connect with employers from more than 100 other companies that will be looking to fill jobs in a variety of industries, such as retail, technical, nonprofit, government, consulting, design, hospitality, public relations, advertising and biotechnology.
Michael Cahill, director of the SU Center for Career Services, said companies are also looking for students who communicate effectively and have an impeccable work ethic, along with excellent problem solving and analytical skills.
To help students prepare for the career fair, the center also offers ‘How to Succeed at the Career Fair’ workshops.
‘They are really good preparation on how to take advantage of the situation, such as managing time at the career fair and how to increase effectiveness and efficiency at the career fair,’ Cahill said.
Although it is unlikely freshmen will receive an internship this year, Cahill encouraged underclassmen to attend.
Lesley Antwi, a junior accounting major, attended the career fair as a freshman and said it was good preparation.
‘The point of going was to practice — I made mistakes as a freshman, but now I feel more comfortable with employers. I can hold a conversation, and I am building a network,’ Antwi said.
To prepare for the next career fair, Antwi suggested students get their resumes checked at the Center for Career Services and purchase business attire.
‘You should look nice. If you don’t look the part, they won’t want you,’ Antwi said.
Some of the students attending the career fair said they plan to bring their resumes and are prepared to market themselves and answer questions regarding their potential employer.
‘I am trying to visit 12. The quality of conversation matters over how many companies you visit,’ said Tara Nelson, a senior advertising major.
In the past few years, a number of SU students have found a job or internship due to a connection made at the fair.
‘Last year, we had 10 to 20 interns from Syracuse. We’re not really looking to recruit full time, but we did recruit interns over the summer, and three were from Syracuse,’ said Levy, the GE representative.
The career center will have another event in the spring. Cahill said the center works year round to promote SU students to employers and invites prominent companies to upcoming events.
‘Putting on events is just a small portion of how we help — a quarter of students obtain positions from those who come to campus,’ Cahill said. ‘People are available to help students pursue and obtain employment.’
Published on October 5, 2010 at 12:00 pm
