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Kaitlin Gilday (right), a 1st-semester animal science major, talks with Laura Brown about careers at High Hopes Therapeutic Riding.

CANR career fair attracts many

By: Elizabeth Ruocco

Posted: 11/13/08

The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources career fair was held in the North and South Reading Rooms in Wilbur Cross on Wednesday evening.

The variety of majors at UConn are ample, but with that comes the responsibility of choosing the proper major and deciding upon a career path. This can be difficult for many students, especially during their first few years at UConn. However, events such as the career fair are provided to guide students through these decisions.

Careers in fields from medicine to nutrition were represented, appealing to students with interests across various disciplines. Companies such as CIGNA Insurance, USDA Food Safety Inspection Service, UConn medical school, and the Laurel Rock Company all had tables set up, along with many occupational and physical therapists.

Each company was represented by its employees, who gave students an idea of what to expect in their line of work, as well as characteristics and education they're looking for in future employees. The representatives were willing to answer any questions students had and guide them in the right direction.

"I came to the career fair because I'm not exactly sure what I want to do in the workforce," said Kristina Simmons, a 1st-semester animal science major. "Everyone has been very friendly, willing to help, and informative about their field and company."

The representatives guided students through possible career paths in their field of study and exposed them to things they may not have known. There were representatives present who held various jobs that students may not have been aware of.

One thing the career fair did was expose students to the real world applications of their majors.

"The career fair helps students in that it exposes them to jobs they may not know about," said Heather Harrington, an assistance extension instructor. "They may know about the field but not necessarily all of the jobs."

On the other hand, some students attended the career fair knowing exactly what career they want to pursue, and hoping to talk to people in that profession.

"I really wanted to talk to a student who graduated from the Allied Health school and now works in occupational therapy," said Meghan Dooley, a 1st-semester allied health major.

Whatever the reason may be, the career fair proved to be something very beneficial to students and was successful at attracting a variety of businesses. It helped students get an idea of the type of work they would doing and the employers they would be working for.

"It really helps students with networking and getting their foot in the door," said Milind Kamdar, a career resource assistant and 7th-semester economics major.

No matter what students are majoring in, or even if they don't know, there are may opportunities here at UConn to guide them.

"At Career Services we do resume critiques, mock interviews, career counseling, and help students choose their major," said Marissa Sackett, a career resource assistant and 7th-semester pathobiology major.