The Spring Career Fair, which took place on February 4, was the biggest one since before the U.S. economic recession, hosting 100 exhibitors on campus to talk to students about full time and part time positions, internships, and graduate school opportunities.
“This year, we actually had to turn employers away because there wasn’t enough space,” said Jean Dake, Director of the UTC Career & Student Employment Center.
Exhibitors included four graduate schools and ninety-six employers that varied from McKee to Chattem.
“If a student is graduating in the next six months, it’s time for them to start networking with potential employers, but it’s also good for underclassmen to come on out as well. It’s a chance to find out what companies look to hire UTC candidates and for what positions,” said Dake. “At this time of year we have lots of employers looking for graduating students for full time career positions as well as lots of employers seeking students for internships, summer jobs, summer camp positions, part time jobs.”
A.J. Davis, a senior marketing and entrepreneurship major, was at the fair looking for sales positions.
“I love interacting with people, helping them solve needs and problems, and that’s really the direction of sales companies these days. I also needed something flexible, because I plan to pursue my master’s of divinity this fall, so I need a job that could accommodate taking classes,” said Davis.
Rebecca Johnson, a senior accounting and finance major, came seeking internship positions and entry level positions
“I’m looking for any way to get my foot in the door, get some experience, and figure out where I really want to go.
Johnson has been attending UTC career fairs since her freshman year.
“I’ve been to every career fair since freshmen year to talk to professionals and learn what they’re looking for. I was painfully awkward at first, but I’ve kind of gotten used to it, and now it’s okay. I still get nervous, but not like I was in years past. I used to have trouble just trying to be friendly and not be afraid to make eye contact. Now I’m not afraid to kind of talk to people, even if they may not even be hiring in my field. I even ran into people today that have remembered me from years before, which was a good networking chance and it also made me feel good,” Johnson continued.
The fair did not just benefit UTC undergraduate students, however. Madhuri Siddulagri, MBA student graduating in May, was at the fair looking for internships or full time jobs in the Chattanooga or Atlanta areas.
“I found some interesting leads here, and it’s helpful to get to get somewhat closer to the companies. This is a great resource for students seeking jobs,” Siddulagari said.
“We’re glad students are taking advantage of the event and hope they will continue to take advantage of opportunities like this. It’s a great way to network, to find out about what companies and organizations do, and hopefully to find a job,” Dake said.
See the full list of employers. Visit the UTC Career & Student Employment Center and read about the services the center provides.
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