About 800 students looking to learn about specialized career opportunities cruised the EMU Ballroom Thursday at the first-ever Social Services and Environmental Career Fair.
The room was filled with a high-spirited mix of students maneuvering from one table to the next, gathering information from the more than 50 non-profit organizations at the event.
“Our mission today is to expose organizations created for an active student population who are socially and environmentally conscious,” said Mei Yong, marketing and communication specialist for the Career Center.
The Lane County District Attorney Crime Victim and Survivor Services, Lane Regional Air Pollution Authority, Sexual Assault Support Services and Drinking Water Program were among the organizations represented at the event.
“We want to address the interests of a large percent of the student body about numerous career and volunteer opportunities available to them on a local and national basis,” said Lawrence Smith, director of the Career Center.
Each table provided a variety of career, internship and volunteer opportunities. Generally, entry-level positions offered required at least a bachelor’s degree in such fields as psychology or human services. Internships and volunteer work required minimal experience, but recruiters said they were looking for students with passion for humanity and the environment.
“Our goal is not only to expose the student body to our services but also to provide them with vast opportunities to gain experience and extended education in the field of social work and environmental science,” said Sue Christensen, recruit coordinator for the Christie School organization.
Students seemed to come away from their information gathering with optimism about their chosen career.
“I believe opportunities like these are valuable because they provide a gateway to a successful future,” said Jennifer Eliot, a senior English literature major. “I have been an active participant with Birth To Three, and the experience it has given me has been a personal and professional gain.”
Another student, Emily Seymore, said she would like to see more career fairs aimed at the social sciences, but said she gained a lot from this one.
“It was really informative for all fields of study in the social and educational services,” said Seymore, a junior family and human services major. “There were a wide variety of options and this event has helped define my future goals.”
The recruiters also expressed appreciation for the students in attendance and welcomed the chance to spread the word about their organizations.
“Not a lot of students fully know about our operations and organizations,” said Karen Dickey, who represented the Relief Nursery, Inc. “The students have been enthusiastic and wonderful, yet serious about their exploration. I am ecstatic to be here and I hope the University will continue sponsoring such important human and environmental events.”