Some of those recruiters included FAMU graduates that
received their big breaks at past career fairs. Breyon Love first learned about
Aldi at a FAMU career fair in 2012. The former student body president and
current Aldi district manager assisted at least two other FAMUans in getting
jobs with the international supermarket that directly competes with Whole Foods
Market.
“The first time the company came here was four to five years
ago when I was recruited at this career expo,” Love said. “I’ve been with them
four years and we are actively working to recruit students to help our company’s
growth in Florida,” he added.
“FAMU made me who I am! I feel better coming to recruit from
FAMU because my brother and I attended the university. All the skills I learned
and connections I made, got me where I am today,” she said.
Students like Lauren Cox weren’t expecting to connect with
so many alumni. The transfer student met former Miss FAMU Dominique James and
solicited advice from the alumna.
“She informed me about certain health care management
companies that have a reputation for diversity and inclusion that I am now
going to research,” Cox said. “I was also a little insecure about my GPA but
she advised me to speak confidently about it and also to acknowledge the things
I do such as community service and campus involvement.”
In addition to connecting with alumni, students and campus
visitors attending the expo could take advantage of several perks, including a
professional headshot photo booth, free resume printing sponsored by Ricoh, an
employer reception and other career center benefits.
Assistant Director of the Career Center Arnita McFarland
said the expo was a success and feels the expo should become mandatory.
“Much like the value we place on academics, career readiness
and student engagement with employers should be embedded into our student’s
education. It’s a way for us to show as a university, that career services are
everyone’s responsibility,” McFarland said.