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By: CHRISTINE AIKEN
Staff Writer
Many were busy working on their best first impressions, as employers and prospective employees gathered in the Student Activities Center April 7 for the Spring Career and Internship Fair at IU South Bend.
Hosted by the Career Services Office, this event is held twice a year to allow students to plan for their future after graduation and network with local businesses.
“Everyone is really friendly and easy to talk to,” said senior and mass communication major Tiffany Milnes.
She is speaking of the more than 100 participating businesses and organizations at the fair, including everything from Walmart to the Mishawaka Police Department.
Freshman Kat Crumb said, “There are a lot more jobs available than I thought, especially for part time.”
Recruiters were out in full force, seeking to fill both full and part time positions for internships during the summer and fall. Most students had resumes prepared and followed the fair guideline by dressing in business attire.
Many students were surprised to learn they could use skills learned in classes pertaining to their major at IU South Bend in a wide range of positions.
Clark Defluiter, a junior communication major, said, “I was surprised that even a lot of the financial institutions can use communications people to help their business flow.”
Many businesses at the fair were looking for more than just potential candidates during the event. They were also looking to promote their business.
Laura Olsen, a representative with MORryde International, said, “We do have positions available. We’d love to fill all of them, but I think it’s more about getting our name out there, talking to people about what our company does, what we’re looking for. And if we happen to meet a good candidate along the way, that’s even better.”
She added that they had a couple dozen potential candidates stop by their table to discuss their qualifications throughout the day.
Co-worker and fellow recruiter Krista Honeycutt spoke about the difficulty of standing out in the sea of businesses sprawled across the basketball courts. “We’re a growing company and we are hoping to target students that are looking for summer help. The sky is the limit at MORryde when people prove themselves to us,” Krista Honeycutt added.
With the number of potential job openings at the Career and Internship Fair and the level of student participation at the event, the day seemed to be beneficial for both sides. The businesses were able to speak with a large number of talented IUSB students seeking internships and employment after graduation and the students had an opportunity to enhance their networking skills and help shape their future careers.
