Career Fair makes a positive impact on students

The Southern University Office of Career Services held its annual Career Fair on February 19, 2014 in the Felton G. Clark Activity Center. Students were invited to engage with numerous large companies such as Blue Cross Blue Shield, Walgreens, Firestone and the local Sheriff’s Department.
 Students were advised to dress in business attire and bring copies of their updated resumes. In preparation for Career Day, workshops were held a week in advance in order to help students with resume writing and interview techniques. 
“This is an opportunity for the university and Career Services to showcase our most valuable assets, which are our students,” said the Director of Career Services Tamara Montgomery.
Montgomery went on to say that it is also an opportunity for the alumni to come back and mentor the students, and assist with the developmental skills of interviewing, and making that connection with the employer. 
Stacey Domingue, full time advisor of The Natural Resource Observation service said, “ I would like students to gain knowledge and know that everything     starts at the bottom  and that it is important to intern and network. Students should also remember that first impressions are lasting.” 
Domingue finished by saying that even if a student isn’t interested, he or she should take on that one greeting or handshake.    The East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Chief of Operations, Mike Crawford, and other sheriffs were excited to be apart of the Career Fair. 
When asked of his expectations or outcome for students, Crawford replied, “ This is a great opportunity for students to become aware of what is out there for them.”
 “One of the good things about our agency attending career fairs, is that it allows students to see us in a different light, not only what is portrayed in there community or on television,” Crawford ended.
“I would like for all students to gain jobs and take advantage of this opportunity.  Even those they are not ready to graduate, they should take offers on interns, and the chance to walk through and see what employers are looking for,” said Chancellor James Llorens. 
“I would like to stress that students shouldn’t only focus on those businesses that they are interested in, but look at them all. Many Employers are looking for your ability to communicate, and sell yourself; in a lot of cases they will bring you in because of the way you displayed your ability to communicate, and overlook your major,” Llorens    continued. 
 He ended by saying, “Companies are not here as a ‘do good’ for themselves, but they are here because they want our students, and they know we produce good ones.”  
“ Before I attended the career fair I did my research on companies that are looking for students from ‘the Jaguar Nation’,” said John K. Dorsey, a senior, accounting major from Baton Rouge.
 “I feel that Southern University has some of the brightest students in the world and I want to support the companies that are here to support us,” Dorsey continued.  
“I’m looking to gain experience in gaining contacts with the employers and possibly an internship,” said Jonathon Wilson, a senior finance and accounting major from Baton Rouge.
When asked about the turn out of the career fair Montgomery replied, “the turnout this year was good, but it varies year to year, and also depends on enrollment.”
“ I do believe that by the university having a four-day week, students have compact schedules and are more focused on class, but I’d still encourage them to stop by and take advantage of this opportunity,” Montgomery continued.
When asked about improvements or plans for next year, Montgomery went on to say that there was a first time $1500 donation from the company Raytheon, which is a major American defense contractor and industrial corporation with core manufacturing concentrations in weapons and military and commercial electronics. Donations will be used towards the up and coming Career Services Multimedia Center. 
“The Career Fair is only one day, but we are trying to help students for a lifetime,” said Montgomery. 
“I want students to know that we relocated to T.H. Harris to be closer and accessible to the students.
 Montgomery finished, “I encourage them to stop by the office, make an appointment, and visit regularly, and allow us to make sure they are on track. We are here to help students and prepare them for the work force.”