UNE Career Fair offers networking opportunities
University of New England hosts its annual Career Fair on its Biddeford Campus Wednesday, April 1, 2009.
Current students, recent grads and the general public are invited to attend the free fair to network and learn about careers, summer jobs, job shadowing and career development opportunities regardless of major, year in school, or current employment.
The fair will be held at the UNE Campus Center on 11 Hills Beach Road, Biddeford from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
UNE’s Career Services Recruiting Specialist Jeff Nevers states: "Career fairs are a great way for job seekers to connect with prospective employers. Fairs provide a forum for learning, sharing information and networking. Despite all the advantages job seekers now have from the internet, they still need to connect with employers on a face-to-face personal and professional basis."
The National Association of Colleges and Employers reports a 22% decrease in the number of expected hires nationally. However, UNE’s Career Fair has almost doubled in size vs. last year, with 30 employers participating. Nevers adds, “Despite a downturn in hiring, employers in social services, the sciences, health care, and some businesses are seeking qualified candidates in fields of specialty to UNE."
The following employers are expected to attend:
- Acadia Insurance
- Atlantic Home Health
- Americorps
- Bridges of Maine
- Cabela’s
- Camp Arcadia
- Camp Susan Curtis
- City of Biddeford
- Community Care
- Counseling Services Inc.
- Employment Times
- Goodwill of Northern New England
- Maine Army National Guard
- Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands
- Maine Cardiology Associates
- Media Power
- Northeast Lab Services
- Saco River Health Services
- Social Security Administration
- Spurwink
- Sweetser
- UMAINE 4H Camp
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- Waban Project
- Walgreens
- WCSH
- WGME
Nevers adds the following suggestions: "To make the most of a career fair, dress professionally, bring plenty of resumes and study the attending employers to see which interest you. Have an ‘elevator speech’ prepared so when you meet employers, you can give them a good first impression that shows you are composed and focused."
Career fair participants can also attend a free seminar by Donna Bivens, a Boston diversity consultant and trainer entitled, “What’s Diversity Have to do With My Career?” This presentation, coordinated by the UNE Office of Multicultural Affairs, will be held in the UNE Campus Center Multipurpose Rooms at 12:00 noon. Pizza will be provided. Ample free parking is available in Lot #22 and throughout campus.