Begin job search fresh from break |
Josh Dix |
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Networking is the key word for the semiannual Career Network '01. "The No. 1 way a person gets a job is through networking," said Jean Paterson, director of the Career Development Center. She added that the fair is an ideal opportunity for students and alumni to connect with employers. "This is a networking event," she said. The CDC will offer the spring Career Network '01 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, March 21, in the Morris University Center. At least 186 employers are expected. For the second year in a row, there will be a separate fair just for those students who are studying education from 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 22, in the MUC. Approximately 50 school districts, double last year's turnout, are expected to attend the Education Fair. "I'm hoping that we'll see more students who will take advantage of it," Paterson said. "We have employers from across the country." Paterson said students planning on attending the fair should come professionally dressed as if they were going to a job interview and have as many resumes ready as possible. She also said students should be prepared to answer questions and present themselves professionally because the employers are serious about looking for people to hire. "Have 50 resumes in your hand, ready to make contact with those employers," Paterson said. She added that students should visit any companies they are interested in. Although the companies may not be advertising jobs in their majors, there still might be opportunities in their fields. "If it is a company you're interested in and they haven't listed your major, you should go and check with them because maybe there is a job," Paterson said. She advises students to make as many contacts with employers as possible. "It gives you a place to do a lot of legwork that you would either have to do on the phone, actually physically running around or via e-mail, and you can make some personal contact," she said. According to Paterson, most employers' major concern is a good work ethic, and that's why they continually come back every year. "They know the quality of students that we put out, which is very high," Paterson said. Students interested in preparing for the fair can go directly to the CDC Web site at www.careers.siue.edu to see the list of employers planning to attend. Students who are registered with the CDC can have their resumes downloaded by companies who check the Web site daily for possible employees. "We're trying to get the student connected with the employer, so the employer can start talking to them about possible opportunities," Paterson said. Students who would like to register or get help with a resume can do so in the CDC in Room 3126 of Founders Hall. | |