Career fair brings over 50 potential employers

UConn’s two-day Career Fair, which featured more than 50 potential employers, wrapped up Wednesday afternoon.

Nancy Bilmes, associate director at the Department of Career Services, explained that the annual fall semester Career Fair is intended to help students of all majors network with potential employers.

“The connections start here,” Bilmes said, “The follow up is essential.”

Students need to “step out of their comfort zones,” Bilmes said in regard to making connections. Once the connection is made, Career Services offers coaching on how to take the next step, she said.

Michael Petro, a career consultant at UConn’s Career Services, suggested that students “be willing and be prepared” when they come to the Career Fair. He said it’s important for students to research companies beforehand and then approach a company’s table with confidence and make an engagement.

“You need to know what kind of job you want: part time, summer internship, full time,” Petro said.

Taylor Rooney, a 7th-semester communications major, attended the fair Tuesday and said it was confusing to navigate at some points because of the confined area and quantity of people.

“There was a lot of waiting in line to talk to certain companies,” Rooney said. “But I talked to the people from ‘Hershey’ for a while; They were really friendly. Overall I enjoyed it. I’m glad I went.”