118 Vendors Make Winter Career Fair ‘Wonderful And Positive’

With representatives of 118 companies in attendance, Margaret “Weemie” Kingham, placement director, described the Career Fair in the Restall Sports Center Feb. 10 as “wonderful.”

“In the middle of a period of gray days with cold and snow, the Career Fair seemed like a bright light,” said Kingham. “There definitely was a feeling of positive energy in the air. The employers were excited and the students were excited. It’s a wonderful and positive  event to experience.”

Kingham said all the vendors had positions to fill and were anxious to hire Williamson graduates. “There was equal representation for all the trades with no single trade standing out,” Kingham said.

Companies came from across the entire country, including Chicago, Iowa, Florida, and North Carolina.

She added that between the winter and fall fairs over 200 companies came to the campus to fill positions with the 76 seniors. “This is truly amazing and speaks volumes about how great this school is. Word is getting out about what we do here and employers want our graduates.”

She said it is beneficial for the students to see such a high attendance of people anxious to hire them. “It makes them realize that what they are doing here at Williamson is worthwhile; it is leading to something good in their lives. They can see that all this work is worth it. Hopefully, this will inspire our freshmen and juniors to work harder.”

Kingham also said that former graduates who were looking for work did very well at the fair. “There were many positions available for them and these jobs were immediate; they didn’t have to wait to get an offer.”

There were many alumni representing companies, which is great Kingham said. “Our students feel comfortable talking to alumni. Also, our alumni enjoy reconnecting with the school. They enjoy seeing their former instructors. For many, this is their main way of keeping up to date with Williamson.”

Kingham stressed that the fairs are not the “Weemie Show.” “The fairs are successful because of the effort of the entire school. Eight power plant technology students did a fantastic job setting up and tearing down the fair. Trish and Rich Sands have been a fantastic help at every single fair we have had. Their loyalty is stunning. The faculty and staff visiting the fair makes it much more successful. Jim Steward and Doug Turrell did a great job with the parking and roads. Dale Plummer had the Restall Sports Center looking spotless. Dennis Johnson helped and Michelle Martella did a great job manning the sign-in table. Ross Deitrich did a great deal of wonderful graphic work. Tim Burbage prepared an excellent meal. It truly is a group effort.”

The next career fairs will be held from 8 a.m. to noon, on Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2016, and Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2017.