Alfred State College students enrolled in the School of Applied Technology will have the opportunity to visit with prospective employers during the Wellsville Career Fair, Thursday, March 26, from 1-3 p.m. in the Culinary Arts Building on the Wellsville campus. Additionally, students will be able to research information about different careers and learn how to interact with those folks in the "real world" who may become their future bosses. Two sessions, both sponsored by the Career Development Office are scheduled, one on the Applied Technology campus in Wellsville, and another on the Alfred campus (Wednesday, April 1, 2009).
"Despite the economy, I am happy to say that we were able to get 11 employers (and two ASC departments) registered for the Wellsville Career Fair," said Elaine Antonioli, director, Career Development at the College. "Many are returning companies but we also have a few new ones. The great student attendance is what keeps the employers coming back.
"Some colleges have actually cancelled their career fairs due to a lack of employer registrations," she added. "With college hiring down 22% this year (per the National Association of Colleges and Employers) it is important students realize how valuable these connections can be."
Students are not the only ones who benefit from this event: participating employers also are afforded the opportunity to build and maintain relationships with Alfred State College, "brand" their company, raise the company's profile among ASC students, and get to know ASC students from majors that are pertinent to the company, without the pressure of filling a job.
When the company is ready to hire, Alfred State College wants to be the first source employers think of for quality employees. Alfred State students represent a wide variety of backgrounds, and all of them need quality information about career options and what they need to know about what employers require and expect of new employees.
Participating businesses this year include Anderson Equipment Company, API Heat Transfer, Alfred State College Business Administration Department, Alfred State College Computer Information Technology Department, Buffalo Interns, Cargill Inc., Dalrymple Companies, Dresser-Rand, Main Mobility, Inc., Plumbers & Steamfitters #22, Seneca Gaming Corporation, Travel Centers of America, and US Army-USARB.