Title (Career fair …)
Event brings job seekers, companies to McKimmon Center
Briant Robey
Staff Writer
Today, thousands will flock to the Engineering Career Fair at the McKimmon Center, which has been fully booked for the event. The fair is scheduled to host 186 companies over one day and is open to students and nonstudents alike.
Brian Koehler, director of the Engineering Career Fair, said the economy has affected the event’s duration and company participation this year.
“The way this economy has affected us is that we’re not a two-day event at capacity, we’re a one-day event at capacity,” Koehler said.
This reduction of the event to one day means some students will be unable to attend the fair due to scheduling conflicts.
Cameron Sanders, junior in computer engineering, said he wanted to go, but has class during the fair.
“I went my sophomore and freshman years,” Sanders said. “But I didn’t get the full gist of it since I was starting out. I’d just go see who I could possibly work for and what I’ve got to look forward to.”
Daniel Thomas, senior in electrical engineering, said the circumstances are unfortunate, but still inconvenient.
“It’s understandable, but I have a pretty big day,” Thomas said. “It would have been a lot easier for me if it had been two days.”
Koehler said things are looking up since the spring career fair, however.
“In the spring, we had companies pulling out due to finance issues,” Koehler said. “But this time there have been almost no cancellations. [Companies] are seeking engineers, that’s the key.”
Joseph Slepitza, junior in paper science and engineering, said the quality of attending companies gave him reason to attend the fair.
“I’m looking for a summer internship,” Slepitza said. “I understand there are a lot of good paper companies and some good chemical companies.”
Thomas said the economy played a large role in his decision to attend the career fair.
“When I first came to college, I had every intention of getting out and finishing in four years,” Thomas said. “Now I’m looking for a summer internship and seeing what jobs and fields are open.”
The University’s reputation was important in attracting companies to attend, Koehler said.
“Most companies want to come here, and it’s been this sustainable society,” Koehler said. “Lots of companies are now in the pipeline, and we’ve actually had to turn a few down.”
Koehler also provided some advice for job-seeking students.
“In addition to finding out what majors each company is recruiting, students need to research the company and find out what kind of work environment they have,” he said. “You don’t want to have an interview in a suit if they just wear polos.”
At the end of the day, Koehler said, it’s all about spreading the word and fostering participation in the fair.
“We encourage anybody and everybody to attend,” Koehler said. “We just want as many people to come out as possible.”