Krystal Geeson
Staff Writer
The Idaho State Universiy Career Center will host its annual Career Fair from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 26. Students will have the opportunity to meet with nearly 50 employers in the ballroom of the Pond Student Union Building.
“The majority [of companies] will be looking to hire full-time positions, but there are definitely companies that will hire part-time positions and also internships,” said Director of the Career Center Lance Erickson.
Companies in attendance will be mostly local and regional, however there will be some at the national level.
Tara Ridgeway-Smith, job location and development coordinator of the Career Center, and Erickson both stressed how important it is for students to arrive at the fair prepared and confident. Students should be ready to initiate conversation about their major, interests and qualifications.
From feedback Ridgeway-Smith has received from employers, she concluded that students need to do certain things to separate themselves from the rest.
“Dress professionally, have copies of [their] resume and say something memorable,” she said.
Ridgeway-Smith recommended picking five to 10 companies of interest and spending time to research those in order to be able to engage in conversation with employers and show interest.
Bengal Jobs, a service offered through the Career Center, can also help prospective employees to find the company and positions they are looking for.
Students of all grade levels and majors are encouraged to attend.
“We put a lot of work into organizing and hosting these fairs. We just want people to come. We want the employers to come but also, a lot of students,” explained Erickson.
On average, there are 500-600 students in attendance at the Career Fair.
Attending the Career Fair at all grade levels is a great way to get to know the company representatives, as well as to collect information about the qualifications needed for specific positions.
“I can see as a freshman or sophomore, you may think it’s not for me, but it really is helpful and it is also a tip we get from recruiters. It is [beneficial] to go to for networking purposes,” Ridgeway-Smith said.
If students begins attending as freshmen or sophomores, meet company recruiters and continues to do that over the next couple of years, they will develop a relationship with them.
“[Students] can go see what kind of employers are going to the career fair and recruiting ISU students,” said Erickson.
Erickson places an importance on students having their resumes prepared and edited, a service that the ISU Career Center offers to students and alumni.
The Career Center is also available for career counseling and job searches. They can help students research potential careers, develop resumes and cover letters and prepare for interviews.
To make an appointment to prepare for the Career Fair, contact the ISU Career Center at (208) 282-2380 or visit www.isu.edu/career.
Companies attending as of Feb. 10 include:
1st Choice Personnel, Aflac, Allegis Financial Partners, Allstate Insurance Company, ARUP Laboratories, ATS Inland NW, Basic American Foods, Bully Dog Technologies, Cactus Petes, Civil Science, Inc., Clearwater Analytics, CodeCorrect Academy, ConAgra Foods/Lamb Weston, Docutech, Dot Foods, Eco Insulation, Electrical Consultants, ESAB Welding & Cutting, Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company of Idaho, Fastenal, Federated Insurance Companies, Hill Air Force Base, Idaho Central Credit Union, Idaho Department of Health & Welfare, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho Treatment Group, IM Flash Technologies, ISU College of Business, ISU Credit Union, McAfee, Melaleuca, Micron Technology, Natural Retreats South Fork Lodge, Northwest Cosmetic Labs, Pacific Empire Radio Corporation, Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station, Peace Corps, Portneuf Medical Center, Scientech, Southeastern Idaho Public Health, St. Luke’s Magic Valley Medical Center, Syringa Wireless, U.S. Department of State; Bureau of Diplomatic Security, U.S. Navy, Verizon Wireless, Vivint, Waddell & Reed, Wyoming Department of Corrections.
