In tough economy, career fair continues to draw major employers

Thu, September 3, 2009 |

Valparaiso University's 12th annual Career Fair will bring more than 60 potential employers to campus Sept. 18 to meet with students and discuss career opportunities. The employers include hospitals, local businesses, and major national and international corporations, some headed by Valpo alumni.

"We're quite pleased with the turnout," says Tom Cath, director of Valpo's Career Center http://valpo.edu/career. "The fact that we have as many employers coming as we do is a testimonial to VU, and the caliber of our students."

Recruiters at the Career Fair will talk to students informally about career opportunities, internships, cooperative education placements and how students can prepare themselves for the workforce. Among the recruiters, more than 10 will be Valpo alumni.

While some employers may not be hiring due to current economic conditions, Cath says the event is a time for students to begin networking, which could help secure their choice employment in the future.

"An awful lot of jobs are not advertised, and this fair is a way of discovering those jobs that are not posted and getting a foot in the door," says Cath.

During the first 11 years of Valpo's Career Fair, more than 10,000 students have attended the event, which has drawn 900 employers to campus. In that span, more than 300 alumni have returned to help recruit students.

Among the employers attending this year's Career Fair are 1st Source Bank, Aldi Inc., Clarian Health, Community Healthcare System, Diocese of Gary, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, the FBI, Indiana Department of Transportation, Landis & Gyr, Northwestern Mutual, the Peace Corp., Porter Hospital, Paychex Inc., Strack and Van Til, Target Stores, Thrivent Financial, U.S. Cellular and Walgreens Corp.

The fair is sponsored by the Valpo Career Center, and will take place in the Harre Union Ballroom from 10a.m.to 2p.m Friday, Sept. 18.

More information about Valpo's Career Center and opportunities for employers to connect with Valpo students is available on the Web at http://valpo.edu/career, or by calling (219) 464-5005.