Education career fair promotes networking and job readiness

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Western Michigan University's College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) hosted a career fair where school districts engaged with education students. Organized by WMU's Career and Student Employment Services, the 2024 School Professional Showcase Job Fair held March 15 also featured job ready resources to prepare students for upcoming interviews.

Boasting participation from 25 school districts in the state, the event served as a platform for recruiters to connect with students seeking opportunities in schools. With an impressive turnout, students arrived with resumes and questions for employers.

"The event was great because students got to physically connect with real employers and establish relationships with community schools," says Spencer Myers, CEHD student success advisor.

Distinguishing itself from conventional career fairs, the showcase also had resources such as resume building and student success coaching available on-site.

"No one ever teaches you how to write a strong resume, so having career and student employment services present was incredible for our students," says Myers. 

Students were also given the opportunity to visit CEHD's pop-up campus closet. The closet offers gently used professional clothing for currently enrolled students for free. This includes men's suits, shirts, pants, ties, and shoes, along with women's dresses, skirts, blouses, jackets, shoes, and accessories.   

"Our closet is all about providing our students with another great resource when they're preparing for that first interview," adds Myers.

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