Students at Barton Community College had an opportunity Tuesday to meet with prospective employers, as well as with representatives from four-year colleges.
The combined job/college fair was held in the Student Union, where 12 employers and nine colleges had tables set up, according to Amanda Brack, director of testing, advisement and career services.
Christina Caddy, a freshman from Seattle, Wash., was among the students checking out part-time employment. She needed something that would fit her busy schedule as a student athlete. "I heard about this housekeeping job, and I would definitely be able to do this," she said. Caddy picked up an application from Tammy Cloninger, who works in Barton’s human resources department. Cloninger said there are several openings at a local hospital, for everything from housekeepers to nurses.
There were also financial institutions, retail stores and other employers represented at the job fair.
Some students, such as freshman Jonathan Rahe from Hanover, were just there learning more about future prospects in their chosen career fields. He’s majoring in criminal justice, and one of his instructors introduced him to some of the job recruiters from the Larned Correctional Mental Health facility.
Prospective employer Ken Ebert from Waddell & Reed said this is his firm’s first time at the college job fair, and he hadn’t known what to expect. It appeared most of the students were looking for part-time positions, and all he has at this time are full-time positions. A spring job fair just before students are ready to graduate might be more helpful for some employers, he suggested.
However, Tuesday’s time on campus was well spent, Ebert said. "I got one really nice lead today."
Brack said the college may consider a spring job fair as well, but the fall event has always gotten the best response. Her office does help graduating students look for jobs, she added.
"We have a limited number of jobs on campus, so we’re trying to help students find another avenue," she said. Brack also noted that most on-campus jobs pay minimum wage, while students can often earn more in the private sector.
