Story by Chelsey Drummond
Fred Perea, the Co-op Coordinator of Career Services, explains the layout of the career fair to a student. (photo by Chelsey Drummond)
An extravaganza is literally the only way to describe it. As if the constant chaos of Corbett Center isn’t enough, how about adding over twenty employers, their booths, and hundreds of potential candidates?
That was the scene on Wednesday, March 10, as the annual Employment Extravaganza was held in the very populated New Mexico State University student union.
The career fair, sponsored by Career Services, consisted of more than 20 employers from various companies scattered along the lower level.
The crowded area and unfamiliar faces of the recruiters left many students wondering “what in the world is going on?” While the initial goal was to promote open positions for students looking for various levels of employment, the outcome produced much more than that.
Success for some
A student speaks with a potential employer at the Employment Extravaganza. (Photo by Chelsey Drummond)
“The fair is really supposed to be an introduction to the world of work or a start to the interviewing process, however some of the candidates were already ready to sign contracts. That’s news we always love to hear,” said Career advisor Listen Vazquez.
Although this is not typical of most career fairs, Career Services definitely strives for these types of results.
“It’s ideal if a student can walk away with a job lined-up. It makes a huge difference and lets us know we must be doing something right,” said Career Services staff member Yvonne Franco.
Keep informed
Career Services staff members discuss the importance of networking. (Photo by Chelsey Drummond)
Along with Vazquez and Franco, all members of the Career Services staff work year-round to produce successful fairs for the students of NMSU.
“We try our best to give NMSU students a chance to network with national or global companies. Las Cruces is small in comparison to most cities, so it’s hard for students to really get their name out. That’s why we have these fairs and that’s why we’re here,” concluded Vazquez.
For more information on career planning and advice, contact the Career Services office at 575.646.1631.
