HIGH POINT, N.C., Sept. 22, 2016 – Though today’s job market may be more competitive than ever, High Point University’s Office of Career and Professional Development is doing its part to connect students with potential employers.
On Sept. 21, the university hosted companies such as Gartner, ScanSource Inc., Lenovo, Coca-Cola, Red Ventures, Dell and Volvo Group for its semi-annual Career and Internship Expo.
HPU students, both undergraduate and graduate, and alumni were invited to connect with national and international employers. Dressed in business attire, students circulated throughout the Slane Center with resumes in hand.
Senior Sarah Schaible, a psychology major, met John Harvey, a representative from ScanSource Inc., at the company’s booth. The two discussed the company’s structure, and Schaible shared how her leadership class at HPU could be applied to a position at ScanSource Inc.
“I think it’s important to network before I enter the real world, and the more prepared I can be, the better,” said Schaible. “It’s opportunities like these that make me feel more comfortable with graduating.”
It was ScanSource’s first time taking part in HPU’s Career and Internship Expo, but Harvey said that the company knew what to expect from HPU students.
“Even though we haven’t attended the fair before, we have had HPU students intern with us over the summer,” said Harvey. “Actually, getting to know the quality of students that HPU produces is what made us want to come out. Having interns has been a positive way of getting our company’s name out, so this event is a great experience for us.”
Olivia Faraci, a freshman at HPU, said that though she’s only been at HPU for four weeks, the event provided plenty of benefits, even for someone that won’t be entering the workforce for a few more years.
“I’m still in the beginning stages of this college experience and I’m not sure what it is that I want to do career-wise,” said Faraci. “With this opportunity, I’m allowed to see what’s available and what I can work towards. It’s easier to make a plan for yourself whenever you see what companies are looking for right from the start.”
Doug Hall, a career advisor in the Department of Career and Professional development, said that the event had been a success for the department and everyone involved.
“We have been very purposeful in selecting the companies we invite. We included local companies so that students have options while they are at HPU,” said Hall. “The one thing I like to tell students when looking for an internship or job is that you aren’t necessarily looking for your dream company right now. You’re getting dream skills for your dream company.”
Hall tells students that companies right here in High Point, like ones featured at the fair, can help them get the experience they will need to get where they want to go.
“Employers have come to me and said that these students are articulate, excited and ultimately hungry for experience,” said Hall. “I love seeing students talking and inquiring because it’s what people at these companies are looking for and it’s what the process of getting a job is all about.”