Well-groomed students wearing dark suits and polished shoes with portfolios in their hands lined up outside Edward L. Wright Practice Facility in Alumni Arena on Wednesday, March 7 at 3 p.m., ready to attend the CareerFest.
CareerFest gives UB students an opportunity to learn about local and national jobs as well as internship opportunities. Over 100 organizations visited UB to answer questions and present opportunities to hundreds of students. Tables were set up all over Alumni, where representatives promoted their companies with signs.
"We wanted to bring UB the opportunity to meet employers and organizations…to help them find internships and jobs," said Judith C. Applebaum, an employer relations manager at Career Services.
Applebaum has worked for Career Services the past 25 years.
Representatives said that every year CareerFest gets more exciting and better than the year before. Companies like Citi, Your News Now, People Inc., and many more were there in search of potential employees. Citi offered internships for students in all majors and requested students to apply online.
"We find some of the best candidates here," said Tracy Stallone, a recruiter for Citi. "We are looking for energetic, motivated [students] and those who have leadership skills and really good communication skills."
Companies like Citi are looking for students to participate in internships as well as providing graduating students and alumni with career opportunities. Karen Zuchowski, a regional recruiting coordinator from First Investors, said that they are looking for qualified students for both full-time positions and summer internships. They wanted to start initial conversations with students during CareerFest, get their resumes and go from there.
Various companies lured students to their desk with free pens, sanitizers, and lots of information. Representatives were giving out their business cards and pamphlets for students who wish to gain more information.
"I think CareerFest is a good opportunity to explore what local companies have to offer here in Buffalo," said Sanjana Mahapatra, a junior biotechnology major. "I am here to network and give out my resume and hope to get an internship this summer."
According to Arlene F. Kaukus, director of career services, internships and jobs are offered to all students regardless of their major or if they are international. There are jobs and internships offered globally for international students or for those who wish to gain experience outside the U.S.
Career Services held workshops for students to prepare for the fair such as Resumania, where students could submit their resumes to be reviewed by companies like Citi and GEICO.
They also held workshops to help students prepare their introductions and elevator speeches, which are less-than-two-minute speeches highlighting assets and values, according to busniessweek.com. Moreover, they showed students how to network and make successful relations with various firms.
"I have been to the Career Services office many times and they have given me lots of good feedback and information I need to know," said Mahapatra. "So I think I was well prepared for the CareerFest and am looking forward to hear from the companies I spoke to."
For three hours, many students interacted with employers and promoted themselves. Professionally dressed, they built a reputation for themselves and continued networking.
Email: features@ubspectrum.com
Photo: Courtesy of Aryan Sawant and Christo Abraham
