Students attended the annual Career Fair to introduce themselves to the world of business. Career Fair 2015 had
over 140 employers present, most of them eager to hire Southeastern graduates. Employers
shared their real world experience with students and alumni. The fair allowed students and alumni
to network with employers from their fields. This also gave students and alumni the chance to hear what employers
expected of their future employees.

Hammond Chick-fil-A Director Ashley Rose talked to a student about the qualities she looks for in students
when hiring new employees.

Landing a job directly after graduation is a goal most college students have, along with getting an internship or being accepted into a graduate degree program. The university gave students and alumni the opportunity to explore all of these options at the 2015 Career Fair from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Thursday in the Pennington Student Activity Center. 

With over 140 employers in attendance from all over the country, the Pennington Student Activity Center was filled with students eager to network and make connections with experienced people in their fields of interest.

Senior management major Joerell Jones attended the career fair expecting to network for his future and get his name across to potential employers.

“I am expecting to make connections with employers in the business field,” said Jones. “I am also expecting this to be an opportunity to put my feet into the real world.”

Most students came to the Career Fair fully prepared from dressing in business attire to handing out formal résumés.

Senior marketing major Braylon Gros explained that he spent a lot of time preparing for the event.

“The first thing I did to prepare for today was update my résumé,” said Gros. “I also practiced my introduction about myself that I am going to tell the employers all night last night.”

During the fair, students walked up to a booth of their choosing, introduced themselves and hoped to make lasting connections with employers. These lasting connections could potentially lead to jobs, internships and more.

Senior communication major Zachary Whitehead was looking to land a job during the Career Fair.

“I have been walking around, scoping out all of the potential companies I would want to work for,” said Whitehead. “I have been writing my name down on contact lists so hopefully I get in touch with some of the employers after the fair is over.”

Most of the employers at the fair expressed that they would gladly hire Southeastern alumni. Many of the employers working in the booths in attendance were actually graduates of Southeastern.

“I am a graduate of Southeastern and almost everyone that works in my office are Southeastern alumni,” said Envoc Software and Mobile developer Brandon Cornett. “It is hard to say what I am looking for in an employee because Southeastern just molds its students into people I would want to hire.”

Students were strongly encouraged to bring their resume to the Career Fair 2015. A résumé can say a lot about a student’s accomplishments and potential to contribute to a company. 

Chick-fil-A Hammond Director Ashley Rose explained the impact a résumé can have on an employer.

“A resume can say a lot about a potential employee,” said Rose. “I like to see the qualities, morals and values of the person I am going to hire. I like to see things such as genuine, passionate, trustworthy and hard-working on a resume.”

There are many options available for students to prepare for next year’s Career Fair. One can talk to a previous attendee of the event to get tips on how to dress and present oneself. 

Jenifer Finney, William H. Bowen School of Law Assistant Dean for Admissions, Scholarships and Enrollment Data Management, offered up her advice to students who are looking to attend the Career Fair next year.

“I like students to fully listen to the answer I am giving them about a question they have asked me,” said Finney. “A lot of times students are so nervous that they cut you off. If they would just listen, they would have access to so much important information.” 

The Career Fair allowed students to get a glimpse of what their future might hold. It is important for students to see what kind of options are open to them after they graduate.

“I am so glad that I attend a university that allows me to build a foundation for the real world before I graduate,” said sophomore nutrition major Sarah Priest. “The career fair is an amazing opportunity that all students should take advantage of. I am personally so glad that I attended because I got to speak to so many people in my field of interest about my future.”