The Student Union Conference Center was packed Tuesday for Los Medanos College’s spring Internship & Career Fair connecting students with potential employers from across Contra Costa County. The event gave students the opportunity to explore different career paths, internships and apprenticeship programs while speaking directly with recruiters.
Tables were filled with notebooks, pens and other giveaways, while representatives from 35 companies and trade unions set up booths with flyers, pamphlets and QR codes linking to job opportunities. Employers ranged from trade unions and home health companies to EMTs and law enforcement agencies, offering a wide variety of options for students from different majors and career interests.
To organize the event, LMC’s Workforce and Economic Development office works year-round to connect with local businesses and encourage them to hire from the college’s student population.
“The career fair happens twice a year, and in the weeks leading up to a job fair there are workshops for resume writing and other job skills,” said Bill Bankhead, LMC’s Workforce and Economic Development manager.
Companies also have the opportunity to post job offers on Handshake, the college’s job board, giving students continued access to job listings beyond the event itself.
“Many of the companies that post on Handshake are looking primarily for LMC students that are part of programs here on campus,” said Bankhead.
Students attended the fair to gather information, ask questions and get a better understanding of what employers are looking for.
“I just came in to see what’s being offered.” said student Jaylee Gartner.
Some employers, particularly trade unions, encourage students to consider apprenticeship programs. These programs are typically five years long, fully paid and include schooling to help develop job-specific skills while working during the day.
“I’m in the ETEC program, and I’m looking for an internship because I’m not done with my degree,” said student Patrick Espinosa.
Certain booths drew more attention than others, with lines forming as students waited to speak with representatives.
“Contra Diablo stuck out the most because they offer internships and the ability to apply online,” said student Susana Aguero. “All the booths had lots of information. They were very helpful and very kind.”
Nursing major Maria Sarabia said she appreciated the opportunity to learn more on campus about available county resources.
“We were talking with the navigators, and they were explaining to us the resources. He was just really informed,” Sarabia said about the Employment and Human Services Department’s navigators who assist people in accessing county resources.
If you’re interested in these resources, contact LMC’s Basic Needs program which works closely with the county.
The event concluded with organizers thanking volunteers and offering remaining food from the employer luncheon to students, wrapping up a day focused on connecting students with future opportunities.
