The Corporate and Government Career Fair at The University ofMemphis this week will offer many career related opportunitiesother than just current job search.
Recruiters from corporations, not-for-profits and governmentagencies will participate in the fair tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 3p.m.in the University Center ballroom. Students, and alumni seekingemployment, internships, volunteer opportunities and career-relatedinformation may attend free.
"Students should consider the fair as much a go-get-a-job eventas a networking event that can pay off in the future," said ClayWoemmel, assistant director of U of M Career and EmploymentServices. "The majority of people get jobs through networking, notfrom applying to job postings."
And it's never to early for any student to start the jobhunt.
"It isn't too early to start attending career fairs even as afreshman," Woemmel said.
Attending career fairs each year during college provides thechance for students to have several "dress rehearsals" to practicetheir interviewing and professional social skills, polish theirresumes and develop more self confidence in general while meetingcompany representatives.
"While making the rounds at these fairs, if students hear thatsome company has no current job openings, they don't bother to stopand introduce themselves," Woemmel said. "They don't use the chanceto make a contact that might be important in the future and tolearn about small- or medium-sized companies they don't know."
For the first time in two years, employers project an increasein hiring, according to the National Association of Colleges andEmployers (NACE). Fifty percent of employers surveyed expect tohire 12.7 percent more new college graduates in 2003-04 than theyhired in 2002-03, according to the results of an August 2003 NACEJob Outlook Fall Preview Survey. Service sector employers are mostoptimistic with those in manufacturing following.
"It's important for college students to understand that, despitethe positive projections, they will face significant competitionfor jobs," said Marilyn Mackes, NACE executive vice president, onthe NACE's Web site. "They need to use all the resources availableto them, particularly their campus career center, which can helpthem connect with and market themselves to employers."
Further information on national employment trends is availablefrom the NACE Web site at www.NACE.org. On campus, for personaladvice and counseling on how career and employment counseling, callWoemmel or Karen Hayes at The U of M Office of Career andEmployment Services, 678-5062.
