Students, alumni network with businesses at 2012 career fair

Rockhurst University’s annual career fair, Career Connections, took place from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 9, in the Rock Room on campus. The event brought more than 100 students and alumni looking to gain insight on career opportunities available.

Representatives from more than 30 different companies were present, each seeking potential candidates for a variety of positions, from full- and part-time jobs to internships to volunteer opportunities.

“I was impressed with the quantity and quality of businesses at the fair,” said Rockhurst alumnus Cameron West, ’11, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in business administration, marketing concentration, and is looking to work for a few years before going back for his master’s degree. “To me, this shows how much companies value hiring Rockhurst students. I spoke with representatives from nearly ten different companies, collected business cards from each of them, and have already started following up with my résumé and cover letter.”

Students and alumni were not the only ones who left the career fair feeling good about the connections they made.

“Rockhurst’s fair is so well organized,” said Diana Iannetto, recruiting specialist for First Investors Corporation. “I look forward to their event each year because it always creates valuable opportunities for us to network with truly qualified candidates. This year’s event was no different.”

The fair, organized by Rockhurst Career Services, included representatives from the following local, national and global companies: American Jazz Museum, Cerner Corporation, Commerce Bank, CrossInnovation, Department of Homeland Security, Edward Jones, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, FedEx, First Investors Corporation, Freightquote.com, Girl Scouts of the USA, Helzberg School of Management programs, Ken-A-Vision, Lanier Parking Solutions, The MacFarlane Group, Meadowbrook Insurance Group, Multi Service, Mutual of Omaha, National Catholic Reporter, Netchemia, Northwestern Mutual, PlattForm Advertising, Reece and Nichols, State Street, Stowers Institute for Medical Research, U.S. Marines, and more.

“Career Services is a tremendous resource for RU students and alums like myself because it provides opportunities like this fair, connecting us with businesses that are looking to hire Rockhurst students,” said West. “Staff members are eager to help in a variety of capacities, whether it is through career exploration, internship or job searches. Many of my friends obtained their jobs or internships through the help of Career Services.”

To learn more about the resources available through Career Services, visit www.rockhurst.edu/career or contact Mike Theobald, director of career services, at 816-501-4861.