Annual Career Fair set, 175 employers expected to attend

KALAMAZOO—Western Michigan University's 36th annual Career Fair is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 13, in the Bernhard Center Ballroom.

The event will feature 175 employers and is open to the public, although geared toward WMU students and alumni. Job seekers from all fields are encouraged to attend.

For job and internship seekers

Participating organizations represent such diverse areas as engineering, technology, education, health care, human services, manufacturing, financial services, aviation, transportation, construction, environmental sciences, retail, consumer products, and the government and nonprofit sectors.

Organized by WMU's Career and Student Employment Services, the fair is expected to attract from 2,000 to 2,500 job seekers. Some employers may conduct first-round interviews Friday, Feb. 14.

"Many recruiters will be offering internships, so we encourage all students to visit the Career Fair even though they might not be looking for full-time employment yet. Attending the Career Fair will also be a great opportunity for students and faculty to do some networking," says Buffy Nespodzany, event co-chair and WMU assistant director for employer relations and development.

Assistance for students available

"We'll be hosting a preparation room for WMU students to help them feel more comfortable and assist them in their interactions with the participating employers. Students will have an opportunity to practice their personal commercial with a career coach as well as to get advice on things like professional dress and effective communication with employers."

In addition, Nespodzany urges WMU students to have their resumes reviewed prior to the fair at the Career Zone, open from noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday on the first floor of Ellsworth Hall.

Fair attendees should research employers in advance, dress professionally and bring copies of an updated resume. Many employers will ask qualified candidates to complete an online employment application in lieu of submitting a paper resume. WMU students are requested to bring their Bronco Cards.

For more information, including a list of participating employers, visit wmich.edu/career/careerfair. Questions should be directed to Buffy Nespodzany at career-fair@wmich.edu or (269) 387-2745.