Fall career expo a success

More than 500 students turned out Thursday to the Fall Career Expo, hoping to find work in a slow economy.

This year, 94 businesses set up booths in the Rams Head Gym for students seeking full-time jobs and internships, compared with the 81 at last year’s event, an indication of an economic rebound.

“It’s a hopeful sign that the economy is turning around a little, so we’re trying to capitalize on that,” said University Career Services Director Ray Angle.

Company recruiters emphasized their willingness to hire.

“Everybody’s here looking for work, and a lot of companies are hiring,” said Bobby Moody, who was recruiting for Disability Determination Services.

One company, ShareFile, even offered to pay students $5 for their resumes as a part of their recruiting effort.

And students responded to the increase in companies with higher turnout.

About an hour and half into the four-hour event, 253 students had already checked in.

By the end of the event, 542 students had visited, marking an increase of 51 students from last year, Angle said.

International companies, national chains and smaller business from cities ranging from Charlotte to Greenwood, SC sent representatives to speak to students.

“I’m here to spark a little interest,” said Kim Steele, of Self-Regional Healthcare, from Greenwood.

Businesses were looking for interns as well as paid labor, with signs throughout the room advertising internship opportunities.

“These can be like three-month interviews,” said Adriane Schwager, from DRW Trading Group.

Schwager added that her company was looking for students with a broad base of skills.

“We’re looking for well-rounded students,” she said. “I think we can find that here.”

Angle said that in addition to applying for jobs, students could also use the fair to begin networking.

“It’s about connections,” he said.

Jake Higgins, a senior business major, said he came specifically to see certain companies he was interested in, such as Hershey’s, General Mills and Clarkston Consulting.

“It’s a good experience talking to people who usually might intimidate you,” Higgins said.

“It’s good to get your name out there.”

Freshman Brittany Darst said she attended out of curiosity.

“I didn’t know what was going to be offered, so I came to see,” she said.

Angle said career fairs are almost as beneficial for employers as for students.

“They want to keep their brand in the eye of the UNC student. It’s a great networking opportunity,” he said.

The companies come from a database of about 17,000 that University Career Services keeps, Angle said.

Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.