The Student Union conference room was filled with booths representing job and college opportunities where many students networked with various outreach representatives and employers during the Transfer and Career Fair that took place on Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The fair was organized by the Transfer and Career department at LMC, and was focused on providing college and career opportunities to LMC students.
Many university representatives from University of California (UC) and California State Universities (CSU) attended the event and were looking to connect with eligible students. They handed out pamphlets and information about the admissions process for their universities along with some freebies. Some private colleges like University of San Francisco and Dominican University attended, along with colleges from out of the state.
Students lined up at their preferred college booth to ask questions and get more information from the admissions officers. TJ Cor, an admissions counselor and recruiter for San Jose State University, came to represent her college.
“We’re looking for students who are open to learning, who have met all of their transfer requirements and are just eager to actually see what SJSU has to offer,” said Cor. Most of the colleges discussed the different majors they provide, housing options, tuition costs, acceptance rates, admissions requirements and anything relating to campus life and the transfer process. Other organizations such as employers came to the transfer and career services, like the Contra Costa Library to meet possible candidates for job opportunities.
The employers educated the students about the nature of the job and answered any of the questions those students have. Ellen Oum, an HR director at Brightstar Home Care, which provides at-home care for senior citizens, came to the event looking for potential hires.
“Definitely someone who likes working with people and they have to be a people person, they have to have good critical thinking skills,” said Oum. She and many other organizations gave out business cards to be able to maintain communication with students. The employers talked about job prospects, salary, the interview process and how students can submit their applications and resumes. Many students left the event with new opportunities and a clearer picture of their prospects. Sophia Goyena, an English major at LMC, gained a better understanding of the job market.
“I’ve learned that you don’t really need a bachelor’s or get an associate’s–you can jump into certain careers,” said Goyena. Many other students left with brochures and pamphlets from their preferred colleges. The bustling event connected students with employers and recruiters, which was the primary goal of the Transfer and Career Services at LMC. David Reyes, a transfer counselor at LMC, hoped that the event gave students a chance to learn about their opportunities.
“I think it’s good for students. It allows students to talk with different university representatives, talk with different employers, talk with different LMC departments on campus. Just to explore their options,” said Reyes.
Overall, the Transfer and Career Fair provided a large platform for students to wade through the waters of the transfer process, learn about the schools that they may be interested in applying to, or secure a potential interview with an employer.
