Career Services hosts Job and Internship Fair

Finding a job after college can be difficult for many graduates. Career Services hosted its annual Job and Internship Fair on Tuesday to help graduating seniors remedy this problem.

More than 80 representatives from businesses, graduate programs, internships and volunteer organizations attended to talk to students.   

The fair was the main event of Career Services’ inaugural Career Week, which began  Monday and will end Friday. Other events included resume critiques and workshops intended to help students choose a successful career after college.

Brian O’Bruba, the director of Career Services at UNC, said Career Week is a direct response to the current economic downturn. O’Bruba also said within the past year, Career

Services has seen a 13-percent increase in the number of employers coming to the fair, despite the current economic downturn.

“The goal of the fair is to have students take advantage of opportunities that are there,” O’Bruba said. “Whether they graduate in December or May or in years to come, they can take advantage of this opportunity. Hiring has leveled off across a lot of employment sectors that were strong. We encourage students to start early and be prepared.”

One sector that has been greatly affected by the economic downturn is the health care industry.

“Health care has been greatly affected; it’s easier to find employees now, but harder to expand new programs,” said Linda Veylupek, the recruiting and retention coordinator for West Park Hospital in Cody, Wyo. “There are not many positions open now, but we like to come so open now, but we like to come so that when we have a position open, students can jump on it.”

While some careers have slowed hiring, graduate programs and internships are still thriving and increasing.

“We have seen an increase,” said Lyndsey Crum, a representative from the Colorado School of Public Health. “It is a new school, so there is excitement, but graduate schools see an increase for people who change careers.”

Chelley Knight, a junior journalism major, said she thought the event was very informative and helpful.  

“I’m mostly looking for internships for next semester,” Knight said. “I can get a feel for what I want as a career. I’d like to do the Disney College Program in the fall.”

Jake Bockenfeld, a senior communication major, said he was afraid of not being able to find a job due to the current economic conditions. However, seeing the number of career opportunities reassured him.

“The top way to find a job is to use networking,” O’Bruba said. “Come to a fair and build a professional network. In an hour, students can walk out with 15 or 20 contacts they didn’t have before. We recommend students get a jumpstart and start building a network.”