Learn about exciting career opportunities at the Career & Internship Expo on September 26th from 10am to 2pm at the First United Bank Center.
Sam Langford, associate director of career and professional development at West Texas A&M University, is encouraging students to explore possible internships and career paths at this semester’s Career and Internship Expo.
She explained that over 100 companies have participated, looking for potential employees, and that in the past, as many as 1,000 students have participated.
Companies and organizations recruiting future employees at this semester’s expo include Cactus Feeders, Western Equipment, Farmers Insurance, Nutrien, NewsChannel 10, IDEA Public Schools and the U.S. Marine Corps.
Langford explained the importance of coming to the expo prepared to talk to potential employers.
“Treat the expo like an interview. Some students will land jobs or internships, so don’t go in your pajamas,” Langford says. “It’s not every day you walk into a room full of recruiters who want to hire you. Show them you’re prepared and excited about the future.”
She encourages students to come to the interview with some prior knowledge about the company so they know what questions to ask and potential conversation pieces.
“Learning more about the company can give you ideas for questions to ask at the event,” Langford says. “Recruiters want to know you’ve done your research.”
Landford also spoke about the importance of having an open mind when visiting potential employers.
“Don’t assume that companies won’t hire your major. We see agricultural companies looking for marketing interns, retail companies looking for accountants, and sheriff’s offices looking for nurses,” Landford says. “Come to events with an open mind and a willingness to learn!”
In further preparation for the Career & Internship Expo, students are strongly encouraged to attend Fair Networking Night, to be held on September 25th from 5:50pm to 8pm in the Jack B. Kelly Student Center.
Fair Networking Night gives students the opportunity to network with employers over dinner before the expo.
“It’s a smaller setting and allows students to really network with our partner companies in a more intentional way,” Langford said. “Students hear different things from recruiters, including how to make a good impression at the expo and what recruiters look for in a resume.”
Registration is required for the Fair Networking Night and can be done on Handshake.
