Career Engagement hosts career fair
Students from all majors are anticipating the upcoming Javelina Career Expo from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sep. 23 at the Steinke Physical Education Center (SPEC). With more than 60 employers planning to attend, the event offers job and internship opportunities while fostering relationships with participating students.
For many, a great first impression and competitive resumé will land them an interview, and possibly an internship with their prospective company. To prepare for the Expo, students attended multiple resume workshops to mold their experiences into a marketable, professional format.
“Any investment in time preparing for life after A&M-Kingsville is time well spent,” Director of Career Engagement Ralph Leal said. “The employers that go to our career fairs are interested in hiring Javelinas and are friendly. In other words, they want to talk to students. Be curious. It is also important to know that these are not the only employers hiring for internships and full-time jobs. Students can visit Javelina Career powered by Handshake or stop our office on the second floor of Sam Fore Hall for more assistance.”
However, the Career Engagement office isn’t the only resource available to students; Alumni from the College of Engineering have partnered with engineering faculty to create workshops specific to their industry.
“The alumni in my department are incredibly generous with their time, and I am so grateful,” Dr. Breanna Bailey, Professor and Chair of the Civil and Architectural Department said. “For the past four years, we have held a fall resume workshop to help students prepare for the career fair. At these workshops, we have a professional engineer sit across the table from a student engineer to review their resume and, if time permits, ask a mock interview question or two” Bailey said.
Students who partake in resume workshops, benefit from each experience provided by the university with the goal being real-world readiness and personal growth.
“Additionally, career fairs are a good way for students to practice their professional speaking skills and learn more about the types of opportunities available to them when they complete their degree. For this reason, I encourage everyone to attend the career fair even if they aren’t ready to seek that first job or internship,” Bailey said.
By providing one-on-one support with professionals from the same area of study, students have a chance to ease some of the imitation of landing a good first impression on an accomplished establishment.
Some students who have registered are enthusiastic in the days leading up to the career fair.
“I feel excited that this opportunity is coming soon and I’m looking forward to reaching out to employers for an opportunity to work at one of their companies as an engineer,” Civil engineering student, Jesus Cantu said. “I went to the resume workshop that the Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering provided and learned a lot about how some employers look at resumes. Additionally, I was able to take advice from Alumni about pursing internships within my field,” Cantu said.
For those still interested in signing up for the Javelina Carrer Expo, registration is still available up to the event day, Sept. 23. For upcoming events or questions about resources contact the Career Engagement Center (361)593-2217.