For construction management junior Jeffery Lippert, settling the butterflies in his stomach often is the first step in the career-fair process.
“The nerves are definitely running when you first get here,” he said. “But once you start talking to people, you calm down and get in your zone.”
Lippert was one of many students who participated in Wednesday’s Construction Management Fair held on the fourth floor of Spartan Stadium. During the event, students were encouraged to come out and interact with representatives from 46 different companies, including Adams Building Contractors, Barton Malow Company and Citizen Insurance.
“It’s really interesting,” Lippert said. “There are so many companies to talk to. I’m just hoping for an internship out of it and (to) network.”
According to Beth Yorke, director of operations resources for Barton Malow Company, a construction firm located out of Southfield, Mich., career fairs serve as one of the primary ways many companies locate their new employees.
“We have a lot of entry-level positions for candidates who come from schools like Michigan State,” she said. “The people we hire usually come through our internship program, and that’s our main way of finding new talent.”
In addition to offering many the opportunity to network with various employers, the career fair also showcased MSU’s new badge program, where students can make sure their MySpartanCareer.com profile has been updated with their current major information by swiping their student ID at the door.
For construction management sophomore Kylie Smith, the excitement she had for meeting employers and possibly having the opportunity to work at a new location helped outweigh any of her fears.
“I’m just excited,” she said. “I’m hoping to get an internship for the summer … and oversee big projects and travel.”
For more information on upcoming career fairs, contact MSU Career Services.
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