EHE News
New EHE career fair attracts consumer sciences, human services employers, students
Director of Human Resources Jacquelyn Richardson (left), Columbus Renaissance Hotel, attended, representing all Marriott brands. With her were Area Director of Sales and Marketing Annette Kirby-Black (middle) and Sales Manager/Senior Account Executive Nadja McCloud (right).
The combined Consumer Sciences/Human Services Career Fair opened at Ohio State's RPAC main gym on November 14, 2008. Career advisors Jean Wyer, EHE Career Services, and Nancy Dugan, Department of Consumer Sciences, spent three months diligently priming for the rollout.
Employers and students alike applauded the dual career fair. Attendance by a variety of employers such as Express Inc., Cameron Mitchell Restaurants, and Prudential Financial gave students an opportunity to broaden their options in their search for a career.
"The goal of bringing together the college's Consumer Sciences Career Fair and Human Services Career Fair was to demonstrate to students and employers the value of interdisciplinary cooperation and vision," Wyer said. "By thinking across academic lines, employers increase their applicant pool and students increase their employment options."
Emily Poston, a fourth-year student majoring in music, believed she benefited significantly from the variety of employers.
"All the companies and organizations here are very diverse," Poston said. "It gives you a really good feel for different fields that are open."
Jacquelyn Richardson, human resources director representing the Columbus Renaissance Hotel and all Marriott brands, also spoke highly of the change. "I like seeing the two fairs joined," she said. "It especially seems to have attracted more retail chains."
A 2004 graduate of Ohio State, Richardson has attended the college's Hospitality Management networking sessions at the Fawcett Center and believes they aid the job-seeking process.
"I saw students at the fair that I've gotten to know over the years at the networking sessions," she said. "Through the networking, I develop a relationship with the students. I've seen them throughout the process. This is a benefit when later considering their interest in joining my company."
Employers note well-prepared students, increased numbers
Two-time career fair veteran Monica Cozzarelli (right), a senior majoring in textiles and clothing, speaks with a recruiter from Von Maur.
Although the merged fair targets a larger portion of the college's student population than in the past, the event maintained a personable atmosphere, which employers such as Mattress Firm felt made it highly distinguishable.
Field Recruiting Specialist Tasos Kritikakis of Mattress Firm said, "It's appealing because even though there isn't as much traffic here as at other fairs, we've met many students who seem eager to become a part of a culture and a company that helps them grow skill sets they already have and develop new skill sets they don't have."
Dugan's and Wyer's preparation was evident in the elite level of professionalism demonstrated by the student in attendance.
"I felt well prepared," said two-time career fair veteran Monica Cozzarelli, a senior majoring in textiles and clothing. "Nancy Dugan helped prepare me when I took her class last semester on resumes and internships."
Elizabeth Mills, the human resources coordinator for Absolute Care, said, "All of the students were well prepared; their resumes were fantastic."
Employers give advice to students
While for many company representatives, the career fair was their first trip to Buckeye country, those who are alumni enjoyed a repeat stroll down memory lane.
Richardson emphasized the benefit that alumni have in understanding student life at the university. "I encourage students to take part because alumni can show them the ropes and the resources," she said.
Many of the organizations commended the event as innovative and highly recommend the experience to other companies and employers.
Kritikakis suggested that employers attend because the students are extremely well rounded. "They seem to have a lot of organizational experience on campus and off, a benefit to employers," he said. He encourages students to attend Ohio State career fairs, especially this one, throughout their four years of college experience in order to build strong relationships with companies that may be a fit. He quotes an important point made in the book What Color is My Parachute: "Studies show that finding the right company takes about an average of nine months."
Written by Kelly Oliver-Hornyak, journalism major, The Ohio State University, and student assistant in the EHE Office of Career Services
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