Finding a job as a new college graduate can be a challenge, but for students at Pacific Lutheran University, it is a little easier thanks to the annual spring Career Expo.
The Expo, hosted by Career Connections, welcomed 53 companies April 16 looking to hire students for internships and careers. About 300 PLU students attended the event Wednesday.
Before students entered the Expo, they received a printed name tag with their major and minor on it.
The Expo took place in the Anderson University Center’s Chris Knutzen Hall. The representatives set up at tables in a ring around the edge of the CK for students to walk through. Companies such as Aflac, Navy, Xerox and King 5 News attended.
With a vast array of options to choose from, students could find a position in jobs specializing in IT, business, health or the military.
“I like that the Expo provides opportunities for students to find a career or network,” junior Paul Garcia, a computer science major, said.
Most of the companies that attended the Expo had attended in the past and wanted to return to PLU.
They also provided tips to students looking for jobs.
“Do your homework about the company you want to work for,” Sonji Young, the diversity outreach program manager for Cambia Health Solutions, said. “Make sure you are active on social media, especially LinkedIn.”
The Expo provided photographers to take professional LinkedIn profile pictures. Students could then access the photo via a link Career Connections emailed to participants.
“We provide this service to build relationships with employers,” Jody Horn, recruiting and outreach manager for Career Connections, said. “We want to assess more opportunities for students.”
One of the reasons for the Expo is for younger students to become comfortable networking and interviewing.
“It’s important for students to get face-to-face time with employers and recruiters,” Catherine Swearingen, executive director of Career Connections, said. “[Students] need to get used to talking to recruiters. We encourage them to practice to get the jitters out.”
The next career-orientated event will be the fall Job and Internship fair.
“We were thrilled for this turn out,” Swearingen said. She also said any students interested in seeing a particular company present at the next event should email Career Connections
