Career Services hosts fair to connect students with employers and opportunities

NORMAL, Ill. – Finding and applying for a job can be difficult. That’s why Illinois State Career Services is here to help.

Career Services hosted an event for students looking to meet with potential employers and get insight into potential internships on Tuesday. This fair had employers with open positions for jobs, so students could apply for them on the spot.

Career Services provided students with different activities like resume building, headshots, and refreshments. They provided hospitality for the employers as well.

Events Coordinator for Employer Engagement and Career Services, Rachel Janicki, and Director of Career Services Quanisha Kumi-Darfour gave insight into what Career Services and the fair have to offer.

Janicki said there’s a lot that goes into making the fair happen.

Career Services reaches out to new and current employers throughout the year to register for this event. The marketing team sends out flyers and posts on social media to spread any information necessary. Career Services also sends out emails to students with information about the fair.

There are multiple fairs hosted throughout the year. Some fairs will be major specific, and Career Services will reach out to those departments to make sure they are covering all grounds.

“We understand that our students are in varying majors. We try to make sure there is a balance…to make sure there is adequate representation based on what our students are needing,” said Kumi-Darfour.

In addition to hosting career fairs, Career Services also helps provide resume workshops and drop-in hours, alumni and employer panels, mock interviews, and more.

Beyond career help, Career Services offers tips on finding a healthy work-life balance. Many panels include alumni who share how they managed it as recent Illinois State students.

“We try to help students make as many of those fulfilling connections as possible,” Janicki said.

Kumi-Darfour and Janicki added that getting a head start in learning about internships and jobs is encouraged. They suggested that meeting with your career advisor or even just getting your resume critiqued is a good head start.

For more information about Career Services and future events, visit Illinois State University’s website.