Cabrinito host'97 IntercollegiateCareerfair

by Hollie Havens copy editor

Wanted: College students who have enthusiasm, dedication and positive attitudes and who are looking for employment with possible growth potential. Readiness to explore new ventures and make contacts in the working world is a requirement. Various employment positions are available for those interested in gaining valuable experience. Learning potential is absolute.

Interested students can respond to this ad by attending the Intercollegiate Career Fair being hosted by Cabrini College.

Organized by Nancy Hutchison, director of cooperative education and career services, the fair will be held on Thursday, March 13, from 1-4 p.m. in the Grace Hall atrium.

The fair is co-sponsored by Cabrini in association with Eastern, Immaculata and Rosemont Colleges and it rotates among the four institutions annually.

But the fair this year is unique compared to all previous ones due

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to a major change.

"In the fair's thirteen years of existence, it only catered to graduating seniors seeking full-time jobs," Hutchison said. ''This is my first year organizing the fair and I decided that it would be more beneficial to students and employers if the fair was expanded to include all students."

Hutchison sent out invitations to over 200 employers. Fifty-one companies were selected not only to recruit graduating seniors, but also to meet with undergraduates interested in employment opportunities.

Some companies participating in the fair are Commerce Bank, the FBI, the Vanguard School and NovaCare.

"I hope students can talk to employers about all phases of employment including full-time, part-time, internship, co-op and summer positions," Hutchison said.

Hutchison is hoping this change will increase the attendance at the event.

Immaculata hosted the fair last spring, and according to Hutchison, the attendance was depressing.

"Only three Cabrini students attended the fair last year," Hutchison said. "But attendance was poor overall with only 49 students total from all four colleges. There were more companies than students."

Hutchison attributes 1996's poor attendance to the distant location of the host site and the poor publicity of the event.

"Most companies were angry because of the lack of students," Hutchison said. "I made the effort last year to smooth things over with many employers so they would return this year to Cabrini."

But last year's turnout has had small effect on the response Hutchison has received from interested companies.

'There are 51 employers attending the fair and the list is sealed," Hutchison said. "We actually have to tum people away who want to accept their invitations and return their applications.

'There is a lot of new blood on the list this year," Hutchison said. 'There is a broad spectrum of com-

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panies with job opportunities for all majors at all four institutions, and they are interested in so many different populations of students and majors."

The fair has gained so much success over the years, according to Hutchison, that some professors are considering making it a requirement for their students to attend.

"If all departments made it a requirement or gave extra credit, it would enable more students to start the networking process and enhance their marketability upon graduation," Hutchison said. ''It is never too early to start."

Hutchison strongly recommends that students arrive at the event in a businesslike manner.

Hutchison also invites students to visit room 160 in Grace Hall to receive hand-outs and information on how to create a professional resume.

"If students are planning on attending, they definitely should bring at least 25 resumes," Hutchison said. 'They should also dress professionally, even though the fair is between classes."