Festival opens eyes to campus opportunities

Socializing, free food, thumping music, bright green balloons -- and careers?\nThat's what one could find at the Career Development Center's annual Career Fest on Friday. The corner of 10th Street and Jordan Avenue was one big celebration all in the name of directing students on the right career paths.\nThe CDC held tours for interested students to get a feel for the building where counselors and advisors assist in career direction. Geared mainly toward incoming freshmen but open to all students, the day was an event to let people know about the center and the many services it has to offer.\n"It's like a big welcome party," said Sloane Boyd, CDC Interim Director.\n"We're trying to let students know where they can come when they look for part-time jobs, internships and a way to find out what they want to do with their careers."\nShe said the expected turnout for this year's event was over 1,000 students. The center held a competition with resident assistants to see who could bring the most students to the three-hour lawn party.\n"Our main goal here is to let students know that we provide personal and customized service," Boyd said. "For example, we get a lot of COAS students who come in here and that school is made up of a very diverse bunch.There's no cookie-cutter way to approach their career choices. There's no single resume template you can follow, but no one's ever stumped us on how to approach (his or her) career goals. I'm really impressed with IU's program."\nAlso on hand were a number of student volunteers who were available to answer students' questions and join in on the fun.\n"I like to help students when they're undecided," said Jeremy Podany, a graduate student and full-time CDC employee. \n"I myself have been in that state of not knowing what I want to do with my life," he said. "It can be hard to admit. The CDC is here to help those students get experience in fields and get jobs. Some people think you should only come here as a senior but we help people decide their majors and get internships their sophomore years. The center even teaches classes that are all-encompassing."\nFreshmen Nicole Young and Matt Martin said the afternoon festivities opened their eyes to what's available to them on campus and hope to use the facilities during their years at IU.\n"I learned what it was all about," Young said. "I drove past it and didn't know what it was and now I know what I can come here for."\nMartin agreed and said as an undecided major, he plans on utilizing the center's services to point him in the right direction.\n"The facility is going to help me eventually decide what I'm going to do with my life," he said. "I might even get insight for summer jobs."\nBoyd said the CDC also offers courses like Q294, Basic Career Development, where students explore their career interests. This class helps approximately 750 students per year. Also, the center offers Q400, Job Search Strategies for the Liberal Arts Student, which helps around 1100 seniors each year.\nThe center usually hosts eight to ten fairs annually with more than 300 outreach programs available that assist more than 10,000 people every year.\n"One of the most important things is to let students know they need to start early," Boyd said. "Start as soon as possible and come to us with whatever questions they have. Come in and we'll help you."\nThe job market is continually growing more competitive as 80 percent of graduates had at least one internship and 50 percent had at least two, Boyd said. \n"Be prepared and be a competitive candidate," she said. "It's important to get a head start and we're here to help"