Students wishing to add money to their wallets this summer recently gathered in the War Memorial Student Union to meet with dozens of companies looking to help them make that wish come true.

On Tuesday, April 15, the Office of Career Services hosted their annual Summer Jobs and Internships Fair to offer students a chance to branch out into the real-world workplace. Tables lined the Student Union with potential employers and representatives for volunteer services seeking talented individuals to join their teams. Students appeared one by one, some dressed in suits and bowties with resumes in hand hoping to make a good impression.

This year, 26 employers and volunteer service representatives participated in the fair. Career Services hosts two job fairs each year: a Summer Jobs and Internship Fair in the spring and a more formal Career Fair in the fall.

“It’s a convenient opportunity for students here on campus looking for a summer job, they have easy access to employers looking specifically to hire college students,” said Career Services Assistant Director Brittany Bacques.

In previous years at least 1,000 students passed through the job fair looking for perspective employers. The job fair was developed for students to meet people and build connections in the community.

Bass Pro Shop, Target, Whitney Bank, Habitat for Humanity, Child Advocacy Services, American Red Cross and Chick-fil-A were a few among the many employers set up in the union. Each employer was looking for different qualities in potential employees.

Chick-fil-A representative Mandy Cook was looking for energetic applicants who would be “faithful, available and willing to learn.”

Louisiana State Recruiter for Whitney and Hancock Bank, Travis Brisini, explained a good attitude one of the most important qualities he seeks.

“We are looking for employees that have smiling faces and bubbly personalities,” said Brisini. Potential employees have to be able to talk to people and have good social skills.”

Not only was the job fair good for helping students find summer jobs, but it was also a good opportunity to find volunteer work in the community. Callie Hines, the Resource Development Manager for the Ginger Ford Northshore Fuller Center for Housing was one of the many representatives present hoping to recruit volunteers. The Fuller Center is a 501 C3 nonprofit organizations serving people living below the poverty level in the Tangipahoa and Livingston parishes.
“I am trying to get the word out about the Fuller Center and get students involved in the community,” said Hines.

Senior Health Education major Keanna Harrell was one of the many to attend this year’s job fair. “I came because I’m getting ready to graduate and would like to be employed once I graduate,” said Harrell. “I hope to make some good contacts that will eventually help me find a job by the end of the summer.”

The Summer Jobs and Internships Fair is a great resource for students to connect with local employers and make a little extra cash in their pocket.
“This is a good networking opportunity for students to have face-to-face connections with local, regional job opportunities,” Bacques said. “Hopefully this helps students find employment.”