On Wednesday, October 24 the Monroe College Office of Career Advancement (OCA) held a huge career and internship fair that displayed an impressive range of opportunities for students and alums. More than 800 students and 93 employers were in the college's gymnasium, hallways, and cafeteria spaces in a display of career commerce that in this day and age is nothing short of eye opening.
"Some might not believe it, but companies are hiring," said OCA Dean Carol Genese. "They want energetic, real-world trained employees who are eager to work hard," she said, "and that's what Monroe College provides. When the fair was over, a number of the prospective employers said they were thoroughly impressed with our students and their preparation. Career development has been a way of life at Monroe for nearly 80 years and it culminates twice-a-year at these events."
Students are not permitted into the fair unless they are properly dressed, after their resumes are reviewed, and after many of them have been coached at how to approach an employer at a career fair and handle a job interview. The college partners with Dress for Success to assist students in proper attire.
"Obviously some of our freshmen are not quite ready to be hired for paying jobs," Dean Genese said," but at these fairs they attain internships that are a required part of their Monroe education. In any case, the experience of preparing for the interviews, developing a resume, and interacting with prospective employers are invaluable tools they will most certainly put to use in the not too distant future. Of course for upper-classmen, this is a great way to help launch their careers."
Dean Genese said it's too soon to say how many jobs or internships students will get as a result of the fair, but she was aware of literally dozens who have appointments for interviews.
For more information about the OCA and career development at Monroe College call 800-55-MONROE. |