For the past several weeks, students of all majors have been preparing for the various career fairs offered at The University of Akron this semester, from the Engineering, Science, and Technology Career Fair, All Campus Internship and Career Fair, Part-time/Seasonal Job Fairs, Education Major Fair to the Nursing and Social Work Career Fair.

On Wednesday, Feb. 24 more than 600 students attended UA’s Internship and Career Fair in the Student Union Ballrooms from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Employers ranged from Coca Cola Refreshments, Diebold, Fastenal, and Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company to Hyland Software, and Macy’s Inc.

Chiara Bunch, a senior recruiting specialist for FedEx Ground, mentioned her company has opened a new location close to campus and is looking to fill positions.

“We are open-minded to the degree and are selective in regards to management positions. We seek strong work ethic, high integrity, positive attitude and above all, problem solvers,” Bunch said.

The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company was present with several departments recruiting.

“Students that know how to simply communicate, have the ability and willingness to learn, possess a good attitude, and enthusiasm are considered during the recruiting process,” Meghan O’Neill, a procurement specialist, said.

O’Neill stressed the need for enthusiasm: “Students should also keep in mind to be enthusiastic, because as an employer, we want to be excited for you just as much as you are to work with us and for the company.”

Jan-Marie Lombardi, a corporate recruiter for InfoCision Management Corporation, also mentioned how an enthusiastic student leaves a lasting impression on recruiters. She offered several often forgotten tips as well, such as “doing your research before your arrive at the booth.”

“Taking the time to research and learn more about the company is important and it definitely shows if students do so. Along with dressing professionally, many forget the importance of one’s presentation. Lastly, a firm handshake, it is painstaking to recruiters when we receive dead fishes,” Lombardi said.

In regard to research, Larry Walton, the operational manager for Defense Finance and Accounting Services, advised that “being well-prepared projects an abundance of professionalism, along with basic mannerisms. We were impressed with the students who did and expressed a desire to serve our war heroes. Applicants who focused in on one function of the company stood out.”

As for the Career Services staff, the event was a success.

“The procrastination station was a hit. There were over 200 professional photos taken out of 600 students that attended the fair,” said Career Services Director Laura Carey. “It was wonderful to see the turnout despite the weather, we are very pleased with the students who arrived and carried themselves professionally.”

Jennifer Pirtz, Career Services liaison for STEM students in the College of Arts and Sciences, raved about the color-coded balloons that were placed at each booth, which categorized what opportunities were available at each company – whether co-op, internship, or full-time positions.
“The balloons helped students strategize which booths to visit because they could see what exactly the companies [were] hiring for,” Pirtz said.

The part-time and seasonal job fair will be held on Mar. 9 and Mar. 15 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. on the second floor concourse of the Student Union.

For more information about upcoming career fairs visit, http://bit.ly/24mLbsD.