Though smaller than the fall fair, the annual winter fair brought in more than 90 hiring organizations and about 1,100 students.
Because organizations typically look for full-time employees earlier on in the year, this fair has a greater number of companies solely looking to fill summer internship positions.
“We have a plethora of different organizations, anything from local nonprofits to international government agencies,” said Laura Fonesca, associate director at the Career Development Center.
The Career Development Center also has 24 career guides by major such as arts and design, education and life sciences.
“What’s great about this fair is that the companies here are looking to hire. And not only that, but they’re looking to hire IU students.”
Fonesca said many of the organizations eagerly return to the fair each year alongside many new organizations the career center staff seeks out.
When students mention companies they hope to work for, the center normally does what it can to bring them in for a fair.
A wide range of companies were present. Apple, Teach for America and Target were a few of the more crowded tables.
Alleigh Becht, a junior studying graphic design, said meeting employers face-to-face can be helpful for both the student and the organization.
“You get a much more personal experience,” Becht said. “I get to see how I’m connecting with an employer and what their reaction is to me. It’s a really nerve-wracking situation, but I think it’s important to just smile and be yourself.”
Jennifer Mabbit, the senior recruiter for Medasource, is an IU alumna who found her first job at a similar IU career fair.
“I’m a success story, and I love coming back to IU and talking to the students,” Mabbit said. “The IU fair is more organized and draws a bigger crowd than some of the other schools I see. I’m always looking for students who are confident and can carry on a good conversation without too much prompting from me.”
Katie Sylvester, a regional recruiter for the Peace Corps, said she agrees confidence is important as well as knowing some background information on the company.
“I like it when a student comes up and clearly knows about the organization,” Sylvester said. “I don’t mean tiny details or anything, but it comes off badly when I have to completely explain to someone what the Peace Corps does.”
Kyle Gamboni, the manager of college relations for Macy’s, said a large number of its staff is made up of IU graduates.
“It’s nice to come here and meet a really diverse group of students with diverse interests and talents,” Gamboni said.
“When you just send in a résumé or an application, it’s a little bit harder to stand out from the masses. The opportunity to stand in front of employers and make an impression is really why fairs like this ?are great.”
