By By: Tori Wilson
Staff Writer
The Career Fair is one of IU South Bend’s resources to help students get a head start on their careers while in school. This year’s Career Fair will be hosted on Zoom from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. on March 18.
Kim Moore, the director of career services, said that transitioning the fair online was not difficult since the software needed was already included on IUSBCareers. The hardest part about transitioning online was getting students and employers to the venue change. Career Services had to share videos and written instructions on how to access the virtual event for students and employers.
The main difference between this fair and last year’s is that the virtual fair is a combination of all the Career Services of each regional campus. This collaboration is to make sure that students have a large pool of employers to interview.
Some advantages to the fair being virtual is that students get one-on-one interview slots with potential employers.
“Having these slots provide students time to highlight their skills, showcase their achievements and have an uninterrupted opportunity to demonstrate to an employer a true interest in their company,” Moore said.
Career Services typically offers a career fair each fall and spring semester for soon-to-be graduates to meet with employers as they transition into their careers.
With the announcement of fall 2021 being in-person, Career Services are planning to have a Career and Internship Fair once again in the fall of 2021. At this time, the plan is to host it outside when the weather allows it.
Moore said that these career and internship fairs are important because it is an opportunity for students, their education, talents, skills, and accomplishments to be the focal point of an event. It is also an opportunity for students to explore career opportunities, establish professional relationships and inquire about positions within their field.
“We have 100+ companies that are interested in speaking with as many of our current students and soon-be-graduates as possible. They are recruiting for part and full time positions as well as internships. Additionally, we have seasonal positions available with summer camps and theme parks. Therefore, there is literally something for everyone!” Moore said.
Students that are interested in signing up for this event, can do so here: https://students.iusb.edu/career-services/career-events/career-fair/index.html.
In addition, Career Services is hosting a multitude of events during the month of March to get students career ready.
To kick things off, professional portraits will be taken in Fireside A on March 11. Students can receive professional headshots to use on LinkedIn profiles.
That same day, Career Services will be holding a LinkedIn review. Students can email their LinkedIn profiles to the Career Services Office (sbcareer@iusb.edu) and will receive feedback on what can be changed, added or improved. Submit profiles at midnight, and feedback will be sent back within a week.
A talk titled “Standing out on LinkedIn” will be held from 2:30-3:30 p.m. on March 22. Allison Smith, Digital Marketing Specialist and IU South Bend alumna, will be providing tips on using LinkedIn efficiently. This event will be held through Zoom and is open to just 25 participants. Students interested can register here: https://titanatlas.iusb.edu/event/6973178.
Another presentation titled “Finding Your Purpose with a Paycheck” will be held from 5:30-6:30 p.m. on March 23. This event invites students, staff and faculty to learn about their gifts and what makes them passionate. Anyone interested in attending can register here: https://titanatlas.iusb.edu/event/6872475.
