Career Fair

By: Brittany Summers

On Wednesday, September 15, 2010 Bowie State University held its annual career fair for students and alumni. This is one of Bowie's most anticipated events. The fair was hosted by E-Recruiting and was held in the lobby of the Martin Luther King Jr. building. The purpose of this career fair was to give students the opportunity to meet employers, receive information on jobs of their particular interest of study, and hopefully make interview arrangements with the different employers. Students and alumni alike came out to the fair dressed in their business attire with resumes in hand hoping to find a job. The lobby was decorated in the school's colors with multiple tables arranged for the employers to display their company and what they had to offer. Over forty employers were at the fair in search of their next potential employees. Some of the employers included Macy's, BB & T and Johns Hopkins Hospital to name a few.

As the students navigated their way around to the different stations, they were offered literature and business cards from the employers and were also allowed to leave their resumes with some of the companies. When asked what her experience was at the fair senior Jamie Holloway stated, "Being at the career fair was an eye opener for me to see what jobs are in demand today. Many corporations were from banks, finance groups, and medical groups which are all demanding jobs especially in this economy."  Many students also shared Jamie's experience. However, many others felt that there were not many options for majors such as theatre, communications, and art. Students within these majors felt that there was no place for them at the fair and often wondered how the employers were chosen.

For Bowie State University to have such a diverse group of students with varying interests, one would hope that a job fair such as this would offer the same diversity that is displayed throughout the campus. However, this was not the case. It seemed that the overall aim of the fair was towards upperclassmen, graduate students, and alumni. As well as math, finance, and business majors. Many employers were looking to hire those who have already graduated or that will be graduating pretty soon. Of course this automatically excluded freshmen and sophomores who also were looking to find employment. While walking throughout the fair one could hear students saying that they wished to see more jobs for their particular fields. The career fair was a successful event; however it did not necessarily meet the needs of all of Bowie's students. A number of students walked away disappointed with no luck finding employment, while some were lucky enough to receive offers. The overall goal of the fair was accomplished, but it seems as if a large number of Bowie students were not considered while the planning for this fair was taking place. Students can only hope that next year's career fair will offer a more diverse choice of employers to appeal to Bowie's student body needs.