KU Business School News

BY LAURA WOLFE

Finding a job after graduation can be a daunting experience. As a December 2009 graduate, I am leaving no stone unturned in my search for a job in marketing or advertising. Although many big-name companies recruit from the University of Kansas, to find the available jobs it is important to take advantage of networking opportunities early on. Looking for a job has been stressful, but a lot of that stress was eased when I went to the Business Career Fair.

I was able to talk to a lot of employers and find out what opportunities are available, and what they are looking for in an employee or intern. It was great to understand more about jobs I might be interested in and to be able to personally give companies my résumé.

One company I talked to signed me up for an interview on the spot. Another invited me to an informational session that evening. After attending, I was asked to interview for a marketing position. Several of the other companies I talked to invited me to apply through the KU Career Connections online application system, Symplicity.

This year, the Business Career Fair hosted almost 90 companies looking for full-time employees and interns. Attending opened my eyes to the large number of companies and industries that are recruiting from KU. Talking to employers, I discovered many companies I want to work for, and I also realized where I might not want to work. I was able to show my personality rather than just my résumé. The Career Fair is a valuable way to make personal connections, and show potential employers you are taking initiative in your job search and, therefore, will be a hard worker for their company. There were around 1200 students who participated, which made the warm September day seem much warmer, but if I made just one connection that could get me a job it was worth it.