Career Fair means business

By Nicholas Ketchum
Staff Writer

More than 70 companies and at least 250 students attended WCC’s biannual Career Fair, which was held Oct 9, in the Morris Lawrence Building lobby.

Organizations of all sizes—some boasting an international presence—provided materials, spoke with students, held interviews, and traded information. The event was managed by Washtenaw Community College’s department of Career Services, which hosts several events and career fairs each year.

David Wildfong, a member of the Professional Services Faculty at WCC, helped organize the event. He said that the career fairs have seen a consistent turnout over the last 10 years from employers and job seekers, and has continued diversifying meanwhile.

“[The fair] is a service to the community; we want to help as many people as possible,” Wildfong said. He added, “Along with the usual suspects, we’ve also seen more diversified industries, such as in I.T. and healthcare.”

Wildong also said that even during the years following the 2008 financial crisis, the Career Fair still saw consistent employer interest.

The fair saw a comprehensive range of employers from across the region. Represented industries included automotive, human resources/staffing, healthcare, medical supplies, real estate management, advanced manufacturing, information technology, sales, entertainment, and many more.

Jobs on-offer ranged from internships and part-time work to full-time entry level career positions.

Advanced manufacturing was particularly in-demand, with companies such as American Broach & Machine Co. demonstrating how lucrative careers in skilled trades can be.

“Some students do think longer term and knows there is good money in manufacturing; especially as the older cohort leaves,” said Evan Gress, a manager representing American Broach & Machine Co.

A few employers expressed this year was more of an “employee’s market”—a sense there was more competition for workers among companies.

“With [a] 3 percent unemployment [rate] you can really feel the desperation on our side of the table.” said Natasha Doan of Excel Employment.

Some students confirmed high levels of employer interest. One WCC computer science student, who wished to remain anonymous, was “confident a well-known local company would be calling back to discuss a full time hire.”

Career fairs are usually held twice each year. The next fair has not yet been scheduled.

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