By Gabriel Oliveros Jr.
More than 150 students got together in the University Center to connect with employers, inquire about internships and prepare for the professional journey ahead of them at Wednesday’s Job and Internship Fair.
Attendees were welcomed to grab free snacks, glasses, bags and even have their photo taken as a headshot for resumes after filling out a brief survey.
“I would say dress like you come with an intention to find a job … First impressions are huge!” said Bianca Salinas, a recruiter from Northwestern Mutual. “I actually used to work at CSUMB, and one of my favorite things is to come out and see my seniors now, or my students looking for jobs and asking questions. And seeing them out here actually doing what they need to do is really beautiful.”
The Job and Internship Fair was sponsored by Career Services, which included tables representing organizations such as: the Monterey Plaza and Hotel, the City of Monterey and Hollister School District, just to name a few.
“This is my first event here at CSUMB, but in all the job fairs that I’ve been to, this is one of the more engaged groups, very good response, very engaged group of people. I feel like it was a great turn out overall,” Camaron Melena from Behavioral Intervention Associates (BIA) said. “I think having resumes ready to give to employers is very beneficial for students and for the employers.”
Students or workers seeking long-term employment were encouraged to arrive with resumes in hand and dress to impress in business casual apparel to appear as presentable as possible for professionals and employers. Many people in suits or specific uniforms were present representing different organizations to answer questions and provide more insight on the duties and responsibilities that someone hired might do.
“We’ve had a lot of students stop by our booth, a lot of kinesiology students interested in internships and shadowing our physical therapists and our rehab,” Enza Sanchez, representing Montage Health said. “I think it’s important students do keep that in mind when they are inquiring about job opportunities, just come in a little bit more of a professional manner, but also come with questions and maybe knowing who is being represented.”
People were lined up and signed up to be contacted about further upcoming job/career opportunities or events. While connections were being made, information was being shared and new faces were becoming more familiar; service learning opportunities were offered as well.
Photos By Elliot Rowe