IU offers job help

As graduation and the end to the 2004-05 school year come to a close, many seniors and even underclassman are looking for jobs, either permanent or for the summer.\nThey'll have two chances this week to find an employer. The first will be the IU Student Alumni Association Career Day from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Wednesday at the Virgil T. DeVault Alumni center. The second is a joint effort between IU and Purdue University for the Indiana Collegiate Job Fair at 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis.\n"It is a networking night for alumni to come back and talk to students," said Adam Russ, vice president of Special Events at the Student Alumni Association, referring to Wednesday career day. "We want the alumni to especially talk about what they wish they had known before they graduated."\nBring a list of questions and a résumé (not required) and research careers to better understand the employers and so students can ask more informed questions, Russ said. Dress for the event is business casual.\nAlthough not really a job fair, some alumni will hand out their business cards to students who are considering a career in their field.\nWhen attending the Job Fair at the Indiana Convention Center, Russ said students should dress professionally and bring a scannable résumé. The fair includes more than 100 employers ranging from companies such as AFLAC to the CIA and Indianapolis Public Schools, and there are jobs for anyone and anywhere, Russ said.\n"These employers are offering jobs for not only students, but community members as well," said Jeremy Podany, senior assistant director of employer development at the Career Development Center. "The companies are looking for transferable skills which relate to positions they have available."\nRuss encouraged students to research companies with which they plan to interview so they can come up with relevant questions.\nOn April 8, the Career Development Center will sponsor a trip to Chicago to the Big Ten Job Fair. The trip fee, which includes travel, is $20. Seats on the bus are limited, and the first 45 people to sign up by April 6 will be able to attend.\n-- Contact Staff Writer Ryne \nShadday at rshadday@indiana.edu.