With America’s recent sluggish economy, serious job hunting will soon be the hobby of students who plan to graduate in May.
Many businesses are hiring fewer graduates than in recent years, and students must be ambitious in their job searches if they expect to find the jobs of their dreams, according to Karen Hayes, director of The University of Memphis’ Career Services.
Those who need a little help starting their search are invited to attend the fourth annual Careerfair.com Career Showcase, which will be held at the Cook Convention Center Tuesday, February 5, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The event, sponsored by The University of Memphis Black Scholars Unlimited, allows students the opportunity to meet potential employers, schedule interviews and hand out resumes. The fair is being held in honor of Black History Month, and is also sponsored by the Career and Employment Services Department of The U of M.
“The showcase is geared particularly to students of diverse ethnic backgrounds,” Hayes said. “But all students are very welcome.”
Many companies experience a lack of ethnic diversity in their company make-up, according to Hayes, and several companies request applicants of varied ethnic diversities.
“This fair allows students to come face-to-face with representatives from Fortune 500 companies and government agencies,” said Hayes.
About 50 to 80 businesses attend the fair each year. However, Hayes said only about half that number are expected this year because of the slow economy. Usually, more than 1,000 students attend the fair.
A large number of companies are looking for technical degrees above most others this year. Those majors include computer engineering, accounting, management information systems and other related fields.
Some companies attending the fair are Tennessee Valley Association, Aventis Pharmaceuticals, and Enterprise Rent-A-Car. Recruiters from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines will also attend.
Students who plan to attend should dress appropriately as for interviews, take several copies of their resumes to distribute and be ready to talk about themselves to potential employers. Tips on writing resumes and interview skills can be found, along with links to search engines for jobs, at the Career and Employment Services website at www.people.memphis.edu/~univplace.html.
Students who do not attend the fair can find out about on-campus recruiting by calling Career and Employment Services at 678-2239.
