On Wednesday, job-seeking students will be able to meet with potential employers without having to leave campus as part of Colorado Mesa University’s biannual Career Fair.
The fair will take place from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. in the University Center Ballroom. There will be 22 employers and four graduate schools at the fair. Employers from many different fields will be there.
“The employment fair provides an opportunity for students to speak with employers about part-time and full-time job positions,” Coordinator of Career Services Diane Kull said. “This year we have added the Graduate School Fair so students can talk with institutions about their professional and master’s programs.”
Kull and the staff at Career Services have tips for students who want to make a good impression on their potential employer.
“Students need to come to the fair dressed professionally. They should bring resumes. It’s important to research the employer before you come to the fair—know what type of business they are and what positions they have available,” Kull said. “Students should be prepared to talk with the employers about their job positions and why they would want to work for them. And always have a few questions ready to ask the employer.”
One employer who will be at the career fair is Best Buy, which will be represented by Catherine Sulskis.
“Best Buy is participating because we are looking for more diversity,” Sulskis said. “A college campus is a great place to find people from all walks of life.”
Sulskis said that students who work while going to school have an advantage over students who don’t work.
“Working while going to college will help improve your communication skills,” Sulskis  said. “Communication skills are essential to life after graduation. Students who don’t work during college may be missing out on many benefits. If your goal is to be a fantastic job candidate after graduation, having a job before graduation is necessary. It’s good to have job experience even if it has nothing to do with the career you are looking to get into.”
This is the only career fair held during the fall semester involving off-campus employers. However, there is a fair in October where students can talk about careers with each department on campus. The next career fair will be held in the spring semester.
The Advising and Career Center also provides a website list for job seekers. Additionally, they host workshops to help students create their resumes and cover letters.
“In this tight economy, students and alumni should try to take advantage of every opportunity to meet employers and build relationships that can potentially lead to employment,” Kull said. “In the past, students and alumni have not all taken advantage of this opportunity. I would like to see more students and alumni attend.”
For a complete list of employers attending the fair, visit www.coloradomesa.edu/advising/documents/EmployerListWebsite.pdf
For a complete list of graduate schools attending the fair, visit
www.coloradomesa.edu/advising/documents/GraduateSchoolList.pdf

sfrose@mavs.coloradomesa.edu