Williamson’s recent spring Career Fair was a huge success with 180 companies registered, seeking to fill full-time positions from among the 97 seniors and summer internships from among the 212 underclassmen.
Held in the college’s Wesley Student Center, the Career Fair was at maximum occupancy, with companies coming from 19 states and 54 first-time attendees, a record.
President Michael Rounds said, “Williamson’s career fairs offer proof that our approach to education works. We are helping fill a niche in America’s lack of skilled tradesmen. How many schools can boast of having more company representatives at a career fair than students seeking positions? I would say, probably only Williamson. Our three-year program is highly demanding and rigorous, but our graduates come back years later to tell us that their time at Williamson changed their lives for the better. Our core values of faith, integrity, diligence, excellence, and service help our students become excellent employees, good family men, and an asset to their communities.”
Stephanie Boon, director of career services and fair coordinator said “Our spring Career Fair was a huge success because there are many companies anxious to hire Williamson students. I don’t see the popularity of our Career Fairs slowing down. As long as there is a need for skilled tradesmen we will keep going strong.
“Williamson’s career fairs are so popular because we offer companies young men skilled in the trades, but they also have what I call soft skills. These are such things as showing up on time, having a good attitude towards work, being responsible. Employers know that Williamson students have these traits and this is what they want in their employees.
“Our students are well trained because we expect a lot of them, but it is for their own good. They benefit for the rest of their lives.”
Boon said one of the reasons the career fairs are so well attended is because of increased marketing and communications by the Office of Institutional Advancement. They are helping us get the word out in several ways, including social media. Also, companies attend a career fair, see how great it is, and go back and spread the word. This brings in new companies.”
All of the students have multiple choices in their career pursuits because Williamson’s six trades were well represented with each trade having many companies to consider. It is up to each student to do their research prior to coming to the Career Fair. It is common for a senior to receive multiple job offers and then have to decide which is the best for his plans.
About 50 alumni were in attendance, as company representatives. “It’s great to have alumni at the fairs because students feel comfortable talking to them and they also show where a Williamson education can lead. This inspires the students.”
In the afternoon after the Career Fair, an Alumni Panel was held, hosted by Laura Brown, director of alumni relations, in which five alumni met with underclassmen to share their knowledge of internships and job searches. The panelists were: Dan Deaver 1W5, Joe Galbraith 2W0, Josh Kirkpatrick 2W4, and Brian Finley 2W4. Also on hand to participate was Andrew Abrahams 1W2.
There also was an HR/Onboarding 101 Panel, for seniors covering how to get onboard with your first full-time job. It covered company culture, benefits, negotiating job offers, and what to look for in a job contract. The panelists included a company president, vice president of construction, human resource officials, and a benefits coordinator.
Two weeks before the Career Fair, alumni volunteers met with students in the evening in the Wesley Student Center at a Career Fair Prep Night to talk about networking, conduct mock interviews, and review resumes.
Planning is now underway for the fall Career Fair on Nov. 5. For more information, contact Stephanie Boon at 610-566-1776, x419, or sboon@williamson.edu.
