Despite the dismal state of the economy, students concerned about finding a job after graduation shouldn’t lose all hope,
according to the University Career Center.
The Fall Career Fair, hosted by the Career Center, is the largest recruiting event of the term and starts at noon today in the EMU Ballroom. Eighty-seven recruiters from corporations, government agencies and non-profit organizations are looking for students from all majors to fill their jobs, internships and volunteer opportunities.
“With the economy the way it is, we expected the number (of recruiters) to be a little lower,” said Colleen Lewis, the Career Center’s events coordinator. Even though many companies have put freezes on hiring, government agencies have stepped up and are hiring more than ever before. Representatives from the Oregon Department of Environment Quality, the Internal Revenue Service and Battelle are just a few of the 18 or 19 government agencies expected to attend.
The Career Center’s Web site suggests students research the organizations in attendance and the positions they are hiring for through the UO-JobLink. It also advises students to dress professionally, bring copies of their resumés and be prepared to schedule an interview the following day.
“The best strategy is to meet people and develop relationships so you are thought of when the next opportunity comes,” Deb Chereck, Career Center director, said. She explained that companies that reduced the number of students they were looking to hire, or completely pulled out of the fair, have said they are expecting better business in the next few quarters.
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