Chemical engineering seniors Mike Potts, left, and Alex Mihelick take a moment to get their bearings on Wednesday as they sit in the stands of Breslin Center during the Career Gallery. The annual Career Gallery is the largest career fair on campus.
MSU’s two-day, annual Career Gallery took place Wednesday afternoon at Breslin Center.
The event usually is held in the fall and is split into two days based on subject matter. The first day is designed for science, engineering and technology students. Today’s event is geared toward business students.
Career Gallery is a collaboration between Career Services & Placement and different colleges across campus. The fair is one of 12 held on MSU’s campus, said Kelley Bishop, executive director of MSU Career Services.
“This is the second one we’ve had this year, and its the granddaddy,” he said.
“We create events that match a set of industries and is appealing for students that show up.”
Associate Director of Career Services Theda Rudd said more than 260 companies will be represented and more than 5,000 students will participate between the two days.
Interviews are offered to students the day after they attend.
MSU uses an extensive mailing list and does research on companies who would be a good fit at the fair, she said.
“A good core of Fortune 500 and Fortune 100 companies return every year,” she said.
Many companies send representatives who are MSU alumni to help connect with possible MSU candidates.
“It’s legitimacy,” Bishop said.
“It sends a message that we’re an MSU employer. (It) shows people who are only one or two steps in front of you. About half of the company representatives are wearing two hats: One is recruiter, and the other one is alum.”
Jennifer Dettman, project leader for Caterpillar Inc., or CAT, said her company continually comes back to this event because of the quality of candidates.
“We’ve done a lot of reporting on employee retention (at CAT), and MSU is high on the list,” she said.
Bishop said the event is primarily a networking opportunity for students but is also a way for students to connect with each other while on the job hunt.
“It’s a humanizing thing to see your classmates and (that) we’re all looking for jobs,” he said.
Chemical engineering sophomore John Gaiser needed a few moments to map out his plan and determine which businesses to speak with. Despite only being a sophomore, Gaiser said he was attracted to the fair because of its opportunities.
“I figured it’s about time to start building a resume,”
he said.
Gaiser had a few businesses on his mind before he took off on his summer internship search.
“When people are applying for jobs, nobody has work experience,” he said.
“I’m trying to get more prepared.”
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Candidates are encouraged to visit myspartancareer.com to view job availability or to apply, Rudd said.
