“Get a job!”: Upcoming Job & Internship Fair can Help
Emily Cobb | February 9, 2023
Warren Wilson College (WWC) has given students an opportunity to connect with local businesses through internships, jobs and more. WWC is having a job and internship fair this spring semester. This years fair will be spilt into two days — Feb. 15 and Feb. 16. Both days will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Canon Lounge.
Hannah Richardson is the director of career engagement and has been at WWC for about four years. In her position, she oversees career programs and readiness success for students so that they can feel confident leaving WWC.
“I think one of the best things about our school is that it gives students the opportunity not to just go into one particular field,” Richardson said. “Because they have the skills from the work program, the classroom and from community engagement, all of these transferable skills really set them up for success to be a successful candidate at these kinds of big job fairs. Whether it's here or after they've graduated.”
These vendors are offering a wide range of positions. Such as summer jobs, part-time jobs, full-time jobs and internships that have at least an 80-hour commitment.
“I recommend that everybody attend this fair,” Richardson said. “There are summer jobs for folks who are just looking for that first experience during their college time. And there are definitely full-time positions for students who are thinking about once they graduate. Even if somebody's not looking for a job, it can be really helpful just to see what is out there. Get that practice of networking and knowing some of our local organizations and just getting to know different people in your practice.”
There will be over 60 vendors — an all-time high — with organizations such as YMCA, YWCA, Biltmore Estate, Buncombe Country Government and Bounty & Soul in attendance. The fair will include nonprofits, for-profits, agricultural industries, outdoor industries and a variety of major and interest areas.
The vendors include employers the school has reached out to, but also returning employers who reach out to WWC wanting to be a part of the fair. Many have hired WWC students in the past and want to continue that cycle.
“It can be really hard to know what you might want to do in the future, especially if you're just sitting in a class all day and are really confined to campus,” Richardson said. “This is a good way to just talk to folks who are in different industries and really understand the breadth and depth of the kind of work they do. You might not have imagined yourself working for that industry in the future and you don't oftentimes know that until you talk with the person.”
Some WWC students enjoy having a job in the work crew program that is different from what they are majoring in, Richardson said that this fair helps continue cycles of exploration WWC often prides itself on.
“I think some students feel a little intimidated about coming to a job fair, especially if they're not looking for a job,” Richardson said. “I encourage folks to go, it's really fun, and our employers love this fair, and they're just excited to be there and talk with students…about what they do. Enjoy that time and just learn a little something, there's no pressure to come away with anything from it.”
If a student is unsure of how to apply for a job, their resume or have any other career questions, they can go to CIAC (Center for Integrated Advising and Careers). CIAC can help with resumes, cover letters, practice interviews, processing and overall providing support to students.
“We want to both offer these opportunities and provide the support,” Richardson said. “So [that] these opportunities feel possible for the students.”
Students trying to schedule with CIAC can use the Handshake app. There is a tab that says career center, which once clicked it allows one to set up an appointment with anyone in the office. Students also have their IAC (Integrated Advising Coach) available to them, and can also email ciac@warren-wilson.edu.