K’Shatriyah Humphrey
Staff Writer
With spring graduation approaching on May 4, many students had an opportunity to partake in a career fair hosted by the Jackson State University Career Services Center.
The event took place on Feb. 21, in the Walter Payton Recreation and Wellness Center.
Ranging from in-state and out-of-state, over 70 employers were recruiting students to work for their companies upon graduation and even offered advice to interested students who still have years remaining.
Unlike the fall Career Expo, the spring event was much bigger and provided more career opportunities for students.
“The event was very successful. There were over 350 students in attendance. The employers stated that JSU puts on one of the best Career Expos, if not the best considering they travel nationwide to recruit,” said Career Services Center Executive Director Lashanda Jordan.
Employers waited by their signs, greeted students as they walked passed, and engaged with others who arrived at their vendor stations for information on how to secure a position within their company.
Tyerone Harmon, a senior biology major from Alton, Ill., stated that the fair was a great resource with graduation looming in a few months.
“It was a great opportunity to explore all of the various corporations that are located across the state and see what potential jobs I could have upon graduation,” said Harmon.
Not only did she believe the event was a great opportunity for seniors but also for prospective students looking to obtain a job position post-graduation.
“It helps benefit students because in some degree programs, it may be difficult to find potential jobs and careers. A career fair on campus gives students the chance to gain exposure with companies while on campus, so when they graduate, they can have an occupation to start in their career of choice,” Harmon stated.
Business cards were given to students to help them connect with representatives, resumés were taken, and many representatives were impressed with JSU’s students.
Not only was the Career Expo a moment for students to meet professionals, but it was also an opportunity for them to hold a one-on-one conversation with the company’s representatives.
The outpour of student attendance was due to the constant email alerts sent weekly to student accounts upon the big day.
One student, thanks to Tigers2Work— a portal that allows students to access information and direction for their career journey, was able to get a firsthand look at what corporations would be in attendance.
“I did not see the email about the career fair until it was too late, but I did have a chance to check and see all of the companies that attended from my Tigers2Work account,” said Vanessa Howard, a senior psychology major from Belzoni, Miss.
She continued, “Career Services had everything listed out from the job, the job description and a contact number on the website. Students were even able to see what positions were open and if they were eligible to apply for that particular job.”
If undergraduates were not able to attend the fair in person, they still had a chance to apply for jobs online.
On the Career Services Center’s webpage, students can receive additional information regarding different professions, what to wear to an interview, tips on how to how to achieve a successful interview session, and much more.
Given that post-graduation employment rates have remained stagnant since 2010-2017, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, the purpose of hosting the career fair was to provide a convenient method of support to students who are battling unemployment after college and have a strong desire to work with corporations spanning from business to health.
Jordan offers this advice for students who attended the expo.
“Students should follow up with employers based on the feedback they received from them at the Career Expo. They should also follow-up with thank you emails to further maintain contact and build networks. They should also activate their Tigers2Work account to make contact with those employers and others,” said Jordan.
The Career Service Center employees strongly encourages students to activate their account in order to better assist their primary goal of obtaining a job after graduation.
The portal is also available for graduates to use as well. The career-readiness team services also include preparing students’ resumes and even creating cover letters for employment and graduate school.
Most importantly, in addition to their offered services, they are highly accommodating and supportive during what they understand is a tedious journey for graduating seniors.
The Career Services Center is located on the 1stFloor of the Jacob L. Reddix Building, Suite 110. Appointment times are available upon request. The phone number is 601-979-2477.
