[singlepic id=1573 w=320 h=240 float=right]Pamela Bump
Equinox Staff
Over 45 companies looking for student volunteers, employees and interns came to Keene State College to give students a glimpse of their future careers at the Jobs and Internships Fair in the science center.
On Thursday, Nov. 15, students looked into careers in a variety of areas from retail to the armed forces as booths were set up to fill almost the entire science center lobby. There were a wide variety of businesses, including Wal-Mart and New Hampshire Public Radio, looking for students as future employees or interns.
KSC student and Peer Internship Advisor Ali Hammell worked with students and alumni to direct them to the booths they were looking for while also answering questions about her past internship experience.
Hammell, who has three majors, one of which is an individualized major combining dance and psychology, said, “I interned here at Keene State [College] with the dance program. I worked with a professor of dance, Marcia Merdock, while working with a student named Jennifer McIntosh.”
Hammell shared, “This is a great opportunity for students to reach out to businesses and employers, ask questions and get a general idea of their career options before graduation as well.”
One organization at the fair, The Leddy Group, worked similarly to career advising for people who were looking for the best job for them. Sarah Hastings, a representative of the group explained, “We partner up with companies in the area who are looking for employees and we match people who come to us with those companies based on their interests and skills in the area.”
Hastings mentioned that the turnout at the event was great and added, “I lost count of how many people I have seen today, but I’ve definitely seen a few dozen.” Hastings added, “It’s great to see students of all different majors who are excited about employment. With school and these opportunities students are able to use all of their resources.” Hastings said that the best advice she could give for students searching for jobs is, “Market yourself, always share your experience and education, and match yourself with a career and opportunities that are available for you.”
While many students looked for employment and internship opportunities, there were also many volunteer organizations that similarly matched students interested to their skills or where they were needed most.
The American Red Cross was at the event looking primarily for volunteers with skills in management and human resources, according to its representative and volunteer manager, Alaine Williams. Williams explained that the Red Cross often takes in volunteers and interns to work mostly in the realm of disaster relief.
Williams’ advice to students looking into their future career involved “just getting their foot in the door and getting to know your job or interest.” Williams also added, “If [students are] getting involved with an organization, it’s good to explore and gain experience in that organization as an intern or volunteer.”
Another organization looking for volunteers at the event was Big Brothers, Big Sisters. Program Manager, Julianne Manchester explained, “We’re really looking for big brothers.” Manchester said the qualities that the organization was looking for included “dependable, energetic, fun and trustworthy.” Manchester added, “With this volunteer position, you can make a difference. It also looks great on a resume.” As the area Bigs organization is in need of Big Brother volunteers, Julianne Manchester encouraged students to get in contact with her even after the event at (603)-352-4536 x103.
One organization table that was frequented at the fair was New Hampshire Public Radio. The internships at this table would bring students interested in journalism and media directly into the real career world.
Sarah Ashworth, the news director of NHPR explained that the usual newsroom intern for NHPR is “essentially a reporter.” Ashworth later added that people interested in the internship should be, “comfortable talking with all sorts of people.” Ashworth indicated that a wide variety of people, from local members of the community to well-known political figures, such as Senator John McCain have been interviewed by program interns. One KSC senior looked around at all of his resources at the Jobs and Internships Fair. Ryan Juneau, a safety major shared, “I’ve been basically making the rounds. I looked at a few tables already, like Liberty Mutual and Timken for management internships and positions.”
Juneau said, “I love this event. It’s great for students to get out there and get involved.” He added, “I would definitely encourage this event to students. It’s a great event and a great opportunity. There’s also a great turn out.”
Pamela Bump can be contacted at
pbump@keene-equinox.com.