Students and faculty at the University of Wisconsin are gearing up for the biannual career and internship fair next week.
The Spring Career and Internship Fair will take place Monday Feb. 4 from 4-8 p.m. at the Kohl Center.
Maria McGinnis of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, and also involved with career services, said it is important for the university to hold a career fair in the spring because there are many students who are still looking for internships and full-time positions.
McGinnis said the spring fair tends to be smaller than the one held in the fall. She said they had 188 employers planning to attend Monday, a figure lower than the 276 who attended in fall, but is expecting the number to somewhat increase.
“We want to get as many employers to get in front of our students as possible,” McGinnis said.
However, they are up in registration in comparison to last spring’s fair, at which 183 employers attended, she added.
UW senior Maddi Brody, who attended her first career and internship fair last fall and plans to attend the fair Monday, said when a student walks into the fair for the first time, it is a little overwhelming.
“Recruiters generally really want to take the time to talk to you,” Brody said in encouragement. “As much as you are there to sell yourself, they are there to talk to you.”
As someone looking for a job right now, it is tough, Brody said. But, she added, she cannot imagine every university is providing the same opportunity to their students.
In comparison with her friends at other schools like Indiana University and the University of Michigan, Brody said she feels more prepared, as many of her friends from other schools have yet to think about their careers following graduation.
“When I say I’ve been job searching since the last [fall] career fair they are surprised,” Brody said.
McGinnis said both UW students and alumni have attended the past career and internship fairs. She said she expects the same, but is hoping for a large number of attendees.
From an employer standpoint, McGinnis said to expect organizations, corporations, nonprofits, government agencies and UW campus programs as examples of those interested in talking to applicants at the fair.
UW spokesperson John Lucas said both the spring and fall career and internship fairs provide the opportunity to meet with employers who consider UW degrees valuable. Employers know of the high quality experience students receive here, he said.
“No one’s coming to UW to get a degree and work at a mediocre company, nobody’s dream is that,” Brody said. “Our school is not aiming for that.”
Brody said it is not just a matter of getting your degree and then wondering what to do, rather, she added, it is about having a plan.
The economy may be on an upswing, Brody said, but it is still difficult to find employment.
“In general, I think most students recognize that they need an internship or job,” Lucas said. “So it’s a no-brainer to get yourself in front of these sources as quickly as you can.”
