Professional dress intact and resumes secured, Florida
Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) students happily interacted with
top-industry professionals as they provided opportunities for potential
employment and internships during last week’s Career Expo in the Lawson Center.
While the main floor grew congested, time eagerly passed as
students from different FAMU colleges and schools exercised their
professionalism and scholastic talents.
Students, preceding their arrival, had spent countless hours
preparing a script and persona to captivate prospective employers. This was the
moment they have anticipated all semester.
Third-year accounting student Shayla Lagree conducted mock
interviews to practice her public speaking and interview skills.
“You want to practice speaking publically as much as
possible,” Lagree said. “The more you practice, the more permanent your
practices become.”
Although Lagree is more fascinated by the Fall Semester Career Expo, she never lets any opportunity pass. “Career fairs provide opportunities of growth,” said Lagree. “Not only do you build connections with industry professionals, but you’re given a chance to partake in a great experience.”
Lagree is currently undecided on a career path but wants to
work in either Georgia or North Carolina.
Biannually, the Career Expo is presented to students as an
opportunity to rehearse their professional skills. The preparation of public
speaking, interviewing, networking and building relationships are considered
most essential. The significance of these practices is in direct correlation to
the regularity of usage in a career or professional setting.
A mass collection of Fortune 500 companies known across the
globe, represented by their spokespersons, stood before their sectioned booth
as students waited in line to make their pitch.
Recognized companies, including Apple, Geico, Intel
Corporation, PepsiCo, PNC Financial Services, Teach for America, TEKsystems,
Walgreens and Waffle House, Inc., to name a few, were all present. The variety
of businesses included companies in a range of industries from K-12 education
and legal and law enforcement to wholesale trade. More than 75 companies
participated in the Career Expo as it continues to be one of the largest
recruitment fairs at FAMU.
The employment job types available comprised of full-time,
part-time and internship positions contingent on the services needed.
Fellowships, assistantships, graduate school research and volunteer opportunities
were also up for grabs.
As each company offered specific requirements to be
qualified, the Career Expo is open to all majors. All students have been
encouraged to attend. In addition, most professors require attendance, provide
extra credit for attending and assign homework for students to complete
preliminary research on the visiting companies.
Third-year accounting student Jamiel Shillingford researched
many companies before attending.
“I conducted research specifically to see which companies
were offering positions and opportunities tailored to my interests,”
Shillingford said. Shillingford was most fascinated exploring company
information and speaking to recruiters from Geico.
The goal of the Career Expo has always been for students to
arrive prepared, on time, and leave satisfied with connections. A combination
of recruiters, faculty and students look forward to meeting others. When asked
what the favorite portion is, the responses included, the opportunity of networking,
putting professional practices in action and the increased likelihoods of
solidifying career paths.
Fourth-year computer science student Joseph Jones is
scheduled to graduate in Spring 2019. Jones has completed four internships from
leading companies known worldwide, such as Johnson & Johnson and NextEra
Energy. Jones is striving for his fifth internship.
“I participate biannually and converse with as many
recruiters as possible,” Jones said. “FAMU provides the resources, however, it
is the student body’s duty to maximize their efforts and secure opportunities
for advancement.”
The FAMU Career and Professional Development Center have
provided a semester full of networking opportunities through professional fairs
all semester long.