Students find networking opportunities at Career and Internship Fair

Students of all majors were invited to connect with potential employers at the Valparaiso University Career and Internship Fair, which took place in the Harre Union Ballrooms on Thursday, Feb. 2.

About 80 companies and organizations on hand, with more than 145 representatives present. Some of Companies at the fair included Red Frog Events, Valvoline, Dunes Learning Center, Speedway, ArcelorMittal and Martin Binder Jeweler.

“It’s great to be able to meet with candidates face to face and interact with them,” said Markie Lyons, a representative from Aldi, who was recruiting students from all majors. “Roughly 80 percent of our students that we hire are generated through career fairs. All of our district managers are hired right out of college and we typically find them at these kinds of events.”

Employers are looking for several traits in potential employees; the ability to identify and solve problems, creativity, communication and interpersonal skills, initiative, solid work ethic, and the ability to learn quickly, said Tom Cath, director of the Career Center.

“The fair has been really good. I met with a couple of civil engineering companies and presented my resume. Career fairs are a great way to learn how to network, get professional practice and get your resume out there to potential employers,” said Samantha McGee, a senior civil engineering student. “It also teaches you to be outgoing when you are interacting with the representatives.”

For more information on the career center, visit valpo.edu/career.