Dressed in professional attire and armed with resumes and good attitudes, hundreds of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville students walked through the doors of SIUE Morris University Center’s Meridian Ballroom to meet potential employers and consider options for their future.
“This has been productive. Everyone has made me feel comfortable, and I’ve gotten a lot of good information to follow up on,” said Austin Grant, a senior, majoring in marketing management who plans to graduate in December. “At least two companies that I looked at – Hibu and the Four Seasons – seem promising.”
The SIUE Career Development Center (CDC) held its annual October Career Fair Wednesday-Thursday, Oct. 3-4. During the two-day fair, more than 1,300 SIUE students had a chance to meet and interview more than 150 area employers and graduate schools.
“We are pleased to continually offer this great opportunity for our students,” said Carrie Smolar, CDC assistant director for employer relations. “The career fair allows students a chance to network with employers and learn about their open internships, co-ops and full-time positions. It is wonderful to provide an opportunity for students to connect with employers face-to-face. It is also great to see alumni returning as representatives for their companies.”
Approximately eight employers who attended the Career Fair plan to conduct interviews in the coming weeks, according to Smolar.
Bayer, formerly Monsanto, will conduct interviews on Monday, Oct. 8 and Tuesday, Oct. 16, according to Suzanne Caudera, Bayer IT vendor manager, who graduated with a bachelor’s in computer management and information systems in 2004 from SIUE.
“Students who come from SIUE do very well at our company,” said Caudera. “I am a big advocate for internships and co-op programs for students. I am an example of having done a 6-month co-op with then-Monsanto, and it turned into a full-time job for me.”
Cierra Thomas graduated with a bachelor’s in criminal justice and a minor in pre-law from SIUE in May. “I’m here looking for a full-time job in my field,” said Thomas. “I’m considering a spot at Missouri Juvenile Justice. I feel positive about the fair and the outcomes I will have.”
Chad Johnson, a senior majoring in computer management and information systems, looked at various companies but is keeping an eye out on Datotel, True Manufacturing and Edward Jones.
Sadie Montgomery, undergraduate university recruiter with Edward Jones, said her company enjoys coming to the SIUE October Career Fair.
“We have gotten great students in the past from SIUE, so we continue to come back,” said Montgomery. “We have had great interns from SIUE who have gone on to full-time employment.” Edward Jones will conduct student interviews on Oct. 18.
Photos: SIUE students from the College of Arts and Sciences, and Schools of Business and Engineering looked for job leads at the Career Development Center’s annual October Career Fair.