LIDA MANUKYAN
Contributing Writer
White tents, business cards, and representatives of some of the biggest household company names in the country are creating the buzz and excitement in Jocelyn Plaza today, as Pepperdine is holding its largest annual career fair yet.
The fair will go until 2:30 p.m., giving students the chance to meet with more than 61 employers. The list includes 18 Fortune 1000 companies, two of which BusinessWeek rated “Best Places to Launch Your Career,” and 14 government/nonprofit organizations.
Some of the employers include ABC Disney, NBC Universal, Los Angeles Times, Dreamworks, Acosta Sales & Marketing and the Kern Organization.
Events Coordinator Katrina Willis said there have been many improvements made to the event.
“The size and professionalism associated with the career fair has grown tremendously,” she said. “The fair is a very successful event in giving students ideas on how to apply their major into a career, as well as actually apply and interview for jobs and internships.”
There will be several first-time guests, like employer Frank Carfioli of Acosta Sales & Marketing, who has attended similar career fairs and said his company has a lot of success in meeting and hiring students.
“I believe these fairs give students an opportunity to gain knowledge and perspectives of various industries … associated with their careers,” he said
For more than two weeks, Wills has been endorsing the fair, ardently encouraging students, non-seniors included, to attend.
“It is very common for students to receive job and internship offers as a result of the Career Fair,” she said. “This is reflected in the number of alumni who return to represent their employers, looking to hire Pepperdine students. ”
Most employers will be accepting resumes, and also many will be holding on-campus interviews with seniors for full-time jobs in the days following the fair.
The Web site gave a list of employers that would be present and provided students with helpful hints for making a powerful first impression, including dressing professionally and sending thank you notes.
“I would strongly encourage students to come this year,” Wills said. “If you see a company you are very interested in, visit the career fair and meet the representatives. Don’t wait until your senior year.”
Students attending the fair said they have an optimistic outlook and plan to put their best foot forward. “The fair is one of the best ways to find a potential employer and see what kinds of jobs are available to people at my level of education,” said sophomore Kristie Finch. “The businesses that come are particularly looking for students, it is a perfect opportunity.”
Senior Tashara Barnes said she has heard positive responses from many of her friends who have attended the fair in the past. “I think most students are equally enthusiastic about how helpful the fair can be,” she said.
“Most students here, I think, tend to panic when the time comes to look for a job,” Barnes said.
“Seeing the enthusiasm of a potential employer about what you do have to offer is probably one of the greatest confidence boosters and motivators available.”
03-29-2007