Fall Job and Internship Expo to host 97 employers

As the job market for UNC students and graduates remains uncertain, organizers of Thursday’s Fall Job and Internship Expo are encouraging all students to attend.

University Career Services Director Ray Angle said the fair will boast representatives from 97 employers, six more than last fall’s fair.

Angle said the rise can be attributed to a growing economy and employers’ interest in UNC students.

“Employers are much more cautious about giving the appearance that they’re hiring,” Angle said. “They tend to come when they’re really interested in hiring top-notch University students.”

Last year, 541 students attended the fair, Angle said.

“I would really like to see that doubled this year,” he said.

He added that UNC is finding it easier to attract companies to its job fairs than other N.C. schools.

The event will take place in Rams Head Recreation Center from noon to 4 p.m. on Thursday.

At the fair, students will have the opportunity to interact with employers from a variety of industries, Angle said.

Leah Brady, university relations coordinator at Fifth Third Bank, said a recruiting team from the bank attended the fair last year but did not end up hiring any UNC students.

Brady said the group has re-branded its marketing materials in hopes of enticing more students. She said the company, which has locations across the country, has 30 positions open in finance, economics, marketing, accounting and business administration.

Career Services is promoting the fair through emails, advertisements and multimedia. A video campaign featuring staff and student endorsements of the fair is new to the marketing campaign this year.

Students expressed concern about the job market, but were largely ambivalent about the career fair.

Junior Min Jun said she won’t be attending the job fair due to her class schedule, but that she is worried about the job market.

Paige Holmes, a sophomore, said she, too, is worried about the job market but hasn’t considered attending the career fair.

Students should register online before Thursday and go to the fair dressed professionally, Angle said. Attendees should also bring their resumes and prepare a short pitch about themselves.

Angle said the fair is important for making connections before graduating, adding that students from all ages should consider attending.

“With this, it really behooves you to start meeting those people as soon as possible,” he said.

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