The team in the Career Development Center have been busily planning the first Beacon College Career Fair. While students in the Career Development Program have been exposed to the career fair environment at multiple regional venues, Kimberly McCormick, Career Development Placement Coordinator, recognized the critical need to hold an on-campus event. Current Beacon College students as well as alumni are welcome to attend the fair on Friday, April 17th, from 10am-2pm. Companies slated to attend include prestigious ones such as JetBlue Airways, JP Morgan, and Lockheed Martin.
The timing of this event was intended to provide a chance for as many people connected with the College to attend as possible. Susan Ward, Coordinator of Career Development & Outreach, states, “As Beacon College grows, it is important that we offer the same opportunities that other colleges offer. The timing of the career fair is aligned close to graduation but also with the Alumni Reunion as alumni planning to attend this occasion may also be looking for positions or networking connections.”
To prepare students at Beacon for this upcoming event, Susan Ward offered a workshop open to both current students
In addition to the preparation offered by this workshop, on Thursday, April 16th, JP Morgan will be on campus to offer a more detailed overview of positions available at their company. Students will also be given an opportunity to ask any questions they may have in order to determine if the positions offered are the best fit for them. The venue is the Chopping Block, and pizza will be served during this informational session. This casual environment should make students feel comfortable in asking any pressing questions they may have. The team in the Career Development Center are also available to work with students on an individual basis, helping them to create and strengthen resumes, practice interviewing, and plan according to their unique needs and career paths.
Seniors, of course, have the most to gain from this experience as many are now feeling the pressure to land a good job. Even those not planning to stay in the area will benefit from the opportunity to practice their skills and to get an idea for how to act at a career fair. Student Mitch Pospyhalla says, “Business connections are a necessity when it comes to planning for your career, and this provides a great opportunity for that, so I’m really looking forward to it.”
At Beacon College, the Career Development Program is a cornerstone of the academic model. The four-year model introduced in the fall of 2014 is designed to prepare Beacon students for their future career path. Coursework and internship experiences give students the opportunity to determine which career they are best suited for and to plan the appropriate steps for achieving their goals. The Beacon College Career Fair will permit students yet another chance to add to their portfolio of career building skills.
~Robert Barnett & Gretchen Dreimiller
Photos Courtesy of Heather Reed
Resources Offered by the Career Development Center:
Career Fair Etiquette
Career Fair Checklist