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October 28, 2011

Career Fair pays off for ULM student

The University of Louisiana at Monroe communication studies senior Andrew Barley was the recipient of an iPad 2, which was given away as the grand prize following a drawing at this year’s Fall All-Majors Career Fair.

Barley was just one of a record 300-plus students to attend the Career Fair held in the Student Union Building Oct.12. 

Like many of the students in attendance, this was Barley’s first career fair, but it was an experience he learned from and was glad to take part in.

“I was pretty surprised,” an excited Barley proclaimed. “I thought Mrs. Green was calling me to check up on my interview because I was supposed to talk with her about questions that Sherwin-Williams might ask me in the interview next week, and then she just pops up and says ‘Congrats, you won the iPad 2!’”

The career fair was an opportunity for students and alumni to meet local and regional employers including Vantage Health Plan, CenturyLink, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, State Farm Insurance, St. Francis Medical Center, Autism Learning Center, Diamond B Construction, and several other companies.

“This was my first [Career Fair],” explained Barley.  “It was very well put together, very organized.  The recruiters were also really ready and willing to talk with us.  It was great for all of us jobseekers.”

The Career Fair was organized by the ULM Career Connections office, led by Alberta Green, director of Career Connections.  Located on the third floor of the library, the office is a tool that every student on campus may utilize during their time at ULM.

Several students and alumni walked out of the career fair with scheduled interviews for internships and full-time job positions. Some even received firm offers.

 “As unemployment slowly improves and the economy gradually rebounds, college students seeking employment must take advantage of all services provided by their college’s Career Services Department,” said Green.

“I wish students could find out about the Career Connections office sooner,” Barley stated.  “There were a lot of companies that I talked to that were beneficial to me to find the right job.”

All majors seeking both full-time jobs and internships were in attendance.

Because of the Pre-Career Fair Workshops held the day before the Career Fair, Tuesday, Oct. 11, many students were geared up for job success with resume in hand, professional attire and prepared 30-second pitches.

“It’s been very beneficial,” said Barley. “More beneficial than just searching the web because businesses actually come to the Career Connections office looking for students to apply, looking for students to interview.” 

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