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Printer-Friendly ModeJob fair shows changing face of economy
November 2, 2009 —
In happier times, job fairs were a friendly place to launch a career.
But Michigan’s recession has changed the job fair formula, leaving attendees with heightened urgency as they try to gain an advantage over one another. Meanwhile, budget cuts lead to fewer companies sending representatives.
Friday’s career fair at SVSU was no exception. Sponsored by SVSU’s Career Planning and Placement, the fair brought in representatives from 16 companies and organizations.
Exhibitors included banks, government agencies and health care and graduate school programs.
Recruiters in Curtiss Hall’s second-floor banquet rooms said the recession has increased students’ appreciation for graduate programs and military service.
Some attendees focused on distributing résumés among potential employers. Others, including business sophomore Derek Sweet, were looking for summer internships and seeking information on advanced degree programs.
Graduate programs at the event included Saginaw Valley, Northwood, University of Michigan–Flint and Eastern Michigan University.
Susan Anderson, an Eastern Michigan representative, said interest has risen over the last year due to recessionbased uncertainties. Students are going beyond a bachelor’s degree for an edge in competing for jobs.
Anderson also said that although interest in EMU’s programs is up, fewer people approached booths for graduate schools. Potential students get most of their information online, she said.
“You really need a spiffy Web site to attract people,” she added.
Among the employers, scarce openings weren’t universal. Michigan Civil Service, a government agency, advertised many openings within the state. Its spokesperson noted that the agency was not accepting résumés at job fairs, but neither were many other companies.
The trend, she said, is increased Web interaction, and it’s better for both the employer and the job-hunter.
“The most up-to-date listings are online,” she said.
“It’s also much easier to submit your résumé there than to have to print off lots of copies.”
Sergeant Adam Jacobs, a recruiter for the U.S. Army, said the recession has also boosted job fair interest in the military.
More and more college graduates are enlisting with bachelor’s and master’s degrees, he said, and choosing not to enter officer training school, an option for recruits with higher education.