Terraka Garner
Staff Writer
The Idaho State University Career Center welcomes all ISU students to attend its annual Career Fair inside the ballroom of the Pond Student Union Building on Wednesday, Feb. 18 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The fair will provide an opportunity for over 50 employers to interact with students.
“We get a lot of the core, same companies. Maybe 25 or 30 of the same ones but every year we get new ones to come,” said Director of the Career Center Lance Erickson. “We want the students to be successful in finding jobs and internships, that’s really critical, but we also want the employers to keep coming here too, feeling like it was a productive time for them to meet some good students.”
The Career Center offers career planning courses, a career library and job counselors who specialize in helping students with everything from finding jobs or internships to writing resumes and practicing their interview skills.
“Every year there’s always a student that comes up to me and says ‘I was just hired on the spot,’” said Job Location and Development Coordinator Tara Smith. “It doesn’t happen all the time, but every year there are a few people.”
Students who plan on attending are advised to wear business casual attire, because according to Smith and Erickson, when a student is speaking with the employers at their booths, it is equivalent to an informal interview with the employer.
“That could be a really critical piece. The student approaching the employer and having a little introduction of themselves, showing some initiative, asking questions, things like that,” said Erickson.
Finding a contact is advantageous in the job searching process.
Once a contact is made, an interview can be set up and the hiring process may become smooth sailing.
“Anymore there’s not a ton of job openings, so I always recommend getting a contact and that makes things a lot easier. There will be a contact [at the Career Fair,] so it’s perfect to do that,” said Smith. “You can look at any company online anymore and see what they’re about, but you also get a different experience talking to a recruiter. The same goes for the employers. It’s beneficial for them because they meet with students one-on-one. Instead of going through 100 resumes they can actually get to know [the students] a little bit more.”
Employers currently registered to attend the fair include: 1st Light Energy, Allegiant Travel Company, Allegis Financial Partners, Alterra, Amy’s Kitchen, ARUP Laboratories, Balsam Brands, Bechtel Marine Propulsion Corporation, Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, Camp Taconic, Clearwater Analytics, ConAgra Foods, Consolidated Supply Co., Docutech, Electrical Consultants Inc., Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company of Idaho, Fuse Satellite, HELP International, Hill Air Force Base, Idaho Central Credit Union, Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Idaho Department of Labor, Idaho National Laboratory, Intermountain Homecare, J.R. Simplot Company, Maximum Senior Benefits LLC, Melaleuca Inc., Micron Technology Inc., NAPA Auto Parts, Northeastern University – Seattle, Northwestern Mutual Financial Network, ON Semiconductor, Portneuf Medical Center, Protection 1 Security Solutions, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard & IMF, Riverbend Communications, Allstate Insurance Co, Scientech, Rich Broadcasting, St. Luke’s Magic Valley Medical Center, Teton Auto Group, U.S. Army Reserve, U.S. Navy, Verizon Wireless, Virginia Transformer Corp, Vivint, Waddell & Reed, Walmart, Willamette University, and Early Career MBA.
Registration ended on Feb. 4, but employers may register late for an additional $30 fee. Interested employers may register by going online to isu.edu/career and clicking on the Bengal Jobs tab.
“This is mainly a networking event for students to connect with employers. It’s mainly for job opportunities: full-time, part-time and internship. It’s just a good way to get their foot in the door, to learn more about the company and to make connections in the field,” said Smith.
