The University of Memphis' Office of Career and Employment Services, together with Black Scholars Unlimited, is sponsoring a career fair at the Cook Convention Center on Tuesday, Feb. 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Karen Hayes, director of Career and Employment Services, said last year more than 1,000 students attended the fair. This year, she said, over 80 companies will be represented, including FedEx Ground, Phillip Morris, Bell South and Northwest Airlines.
"The focus of the fair is hiring diverse candidates," Hayes said.
Hayes said she encourages students of all backgrounds to come. She said it's very important for students to come prepared, having already researched the companies they're interested in.
"Try to have a 60 second commercial about yourself," Hayes said. "Something you could talk about to employers."
Laketha Murphy, a junior studying communications, said she plans to attend the career fair.
"I hope to see what the companies have to offer," Murphy said. "Or see what they are looking for."
Richard Townes, hub recruiter for FedEx Ground, said his company is looking for people with plenty of energy.
"You have to be creative in our business, because in operations, there are so many things happening that you must be able to multi-task," Townes said
He said the ideal candidate should be able to think quickly, and should have diverse job experience in their employment background.
Townes said FedEx is looking for students to work in the hub on both day and night shifts. FedEx ground has a tuition assistance plan for working students. He said students who work a day shift earn $ 9.50 per hour while night shift workers earn $10.00 per hour. FedEx Ground will add 50 cents an hour after 30 days of employment, which will be added to a tuition fund. Townes said FedEx looks for business graduates to be management candidates.
According to Hayes, it is important for students to bring a resume and to dress professionally when they come to the career fair.
