Student Perspectives: UW-Parkside Career Fair

On the afternoon of Thursday, Oct. 20, college students from across Southeastern Wisconsin gathered in the Student Center Ballroom to attend the University of Wisconsin–Parkside's annual Internship and Career Fair. This annual event allows students the opportunity to network with the region’s leading employers.

The annual fair is sponsored by UW-Parkside’s Academic Advising and Career Center. This team of professionals works daily to ensure that UW-Parkside students have all the resources they need to be successful, both academically and professionally.

At this year’s event, students had the opportunity to meet, interact and interview with over 64 employers who have open positions in their area of study. Over 250 students attended the fair, representing the University of Wisconsin – Parkside, Carthage College, Gateway Technical College, and Herzing University.

“This year’s event was especially successful because of the wide variety of employers at the fair for our students,” said Linda Bevec, UW-Parkside's Employer Relations Coordinator. “We had non-profit organizations, government agencies, small businesses, educational entities, and larger well-known businesses. There was truly something for everyone this year.”

Bevec and the Academic Advising and Career Center team help students to prepare for career events by hosting professional workshops and sharing the information listed under the Prepare for the Fair section of their department website.

Bevec plans and coordinates every Internship and Career Fair and begins to do so six months ahead of the event date. Bevec reaches out to employers from a variety of different industries to ensure that there is something available for every Parkside student’s major and career interests.

A new resource offered to UW-Parkside students this year was the UW-Parkside Career Closet, sponsored by Jockey International, Inc. By the generous donation of Jockey International, Inc., UW-Parkside students are able to browse racks in search of professional clothing and accessories. This new option helps students dress for success at the Internship and Career Fair. This resource is free of charge and available to all UW-Parkside students.

Bevec is able to spread the word about the event by sharing information on Handshake, UW-Parkside’s job board platform. The platform is designed to connect students with professional opportunities. This platform is also free of charge to any student enrolled at UW-Parkside.

“These events are so important for students’ career development,” said Bevec. “Even if you aren’t looking for an internship or job, just coming to talk and network with professionals face-to-face is incredibly valuable.”

UW-Parkside plans to host another Internship and Career Fair in the Spring Semester. Bevec and her team are encouraging all students to attend the event, in hopes to not only have another great turnout, but to help more students build relationships with employers.

“You will make a connection, receive information about a career you’ve never thought of before or receive a solid lead on a great internship or full-time job,” said Bevec. “I guarantee that every student who attends the fair will leave with something of value.”