MUNCIE, Ind. -- From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Worthen Arena on Wednesday, Feb. 18, more than 300 employers and businesses met with more than 2,000 students in the Cardinal Job Fair.
According to the Ball State Career Center’s Cardinal Job Fair page, a job fair like the one on Wednesday contributes to a 93 percent career placement rate, which leads among other comparative schools.
However, in the midst of handing over résumés and taking headshot pictures, some students find trouble finding a job that fits their degree after graduation. This comes from a competitive job market.
Ball State’s Career Center coordinator of employer relations Kyle Bell says many students can get ahead in finding a job by making good impressions and strong connections with the employers they meet.
“First impressions are huge,” Bell said, “Employers will want to be able to have that connection. They’re seeking that connection just as much as the student is.”
If students did not attend the event, they still have a chance to keep up in the search for post-graduation work. It would involve keeping up with the competition and having awareness.
“I would describe [the job market] as competitive,” Bell said. “So, students have to be on their game and have to really find ways that they’re going to be able to be a step above other folks.”
But, finding a job is not an individual effort. Bell reveals how the process takes many people along the way.
“Utilize your network of people. Utilize your friends,” Bell said. “It honestly takes a village to help you get where you’re going.”
For help with a job or career, go to the Ball State career center or go to Cardinal Career Link.
Contact Evan Shotts with comments at evan.shotts@bsu.edu.
