by The Cowl Editor on September 12, 2019
Campus
by Matthew Mazzella ’20
News Staff
Sept. 25 marks the annual Providence College Career EXPO, held for students to network with recruiters looking to add talented Friars to their businesses. This is a highly anticipated event on campus, as students look to take the next step in their careers by making lasting impact on recruiters through networking. The event will take place in Peterson Recreation Center from 1-5 p.m., and there are currently 110 employers registered for the event.
While many believe this event caters towards business majors, there will be a variety of companies attending from different industries, creating an opportunity for all PC students to have a chance to make a great impression.
Scott Wright, associate professor for the marketing department at PC, believes this is a great opportunity for students to jump-start their careers. Wright said, “I strongly encourage students to attend the Fall Career EXPO. At this early career stage, students are presented with some hefty decisions, many of which will impact their careers for years to come. The EXPO presents students with an opportunity to engage, to listen, and to learn. The EXPO also helps students form those crucial connections that often kickstart successful business careers.”
The EXPO is especially important for seniors, as they look to find a job after their time at PC. Finance major Peter Chin ’20 has his mind set on a successful Career EXPO. Chin has been looking forward to this year’s EXPO, as he has begun searching for jobs in Finance. Chin has made connections before at the EXPO that lead to a summer internship, and he hopes to build on that success this fall as he searches for a full time offer.
“The career EXPO is such a great event that all students should try to go to, no matter what grade you are in. You never know who you will meet and how they can help you along with your career. I hope to make an impact this year, as I have a stronger resume and a focused career path.”
While juniors and seniors tend to get the most attention at the EXPO, it does not hurt for freshmen and sophomores to go and begin networking. Jonathan Jackson, Jr., assistant finance professor, believes this is an opportunity that is too good to pass up, regardless of your class year.
Jackson stresses the importance of career advancement by telling students, “This is the largest opportunity to meet people face to face and make a great first impression. You will never have a chance to meet 100+ employers who want to hire you. No matter what your major is or what grade you are in, there is no harm in going. You never know what you will take away from it.”
Another benefit of going to the EXPO is the opportunity to take a professional headshot for LinkedIn. The service is free for all students and it has a sign up form available through the Handshake website. Having a professional picture on LinkedIn can make you stand out from other candidates, so it is important for Friars to take advantage of this additional great opportunity which PC offers.
Many Friars are looking to bulk up their resume to make an impact at the event. With so many employers on campus, there are plenty of opportunities to take advantage of, and the Career EXPO offers students the opportunity to build meaningful, professional connections outside the classroom.