By Samuel B. Chipman
Western New England University’s Spring Career & Internship Fair is going to look quite different than it has in previous years. However, the new style of the Career Fair may be more advantageous for students than expected at first glance. On March 18, the Delbridge Career Center will be holding its first completely virtual career and internship fair.
Thirty-six companies and organizations will be expected to be in attendance of this virtual career fair. Some popular companies that will be in attendance are Amazon, Rediker Software Inc, Collins Aerospace, and NorthWestern Mutual.
Tina Roberston, Assistant Director of Employer Outreach in the Career Center, anticipates that even more businesses will be hopping on the Zoom call this semester. “Currently we are at thirty-six and counting. Students are better off registering for the meetings they want earlier because of the limited amount of slots available but also because of the new opportunity to participate in one on one interviews with the student’s company of choice.”
Students can register for either one on one interviews and information sessions with companies that last for ten minutes, or thirty minute group sessions. The process is more selective this semester as the spots are filling up quickly. Robertson stressed the importance that students have their resumes “updated and uploaded” to Handshake, the platform in which all students have accounts and some preloaded basic information on who they are.
However, in order to register for these one on one or group sessions, students must log into their Handshake profiles and register for each session they would like to attend. Training sessions on how to register and navigate Handshake were held Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of last week at 3:00 PM.
All students are heavily encouraged to come to this Spring’s Career and Internship Fair, especially those who are juniors and seniors, as the fair serves as a bridge that connects students to companies that offer excellent careers and business opportunities for our Golden Bears to utilize. Tina Roberston stated that as a department, the Career Center is “committed to connecting employers to our students in meaningful ways that offer promising career and employment opportunities.”
She highly recommends that students visit the Career Center, located in the upstairs of the Campus Center, to have their resumes updated and to gain better insight on what careers they may be passionate about. Tina expects a large turnout this semester and advises that students “get on it early” regarding registration.
Register now on Handshake or look out for University Posts on how to register and ways you can best prepare for the Virtual Career Fair.
