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YSU Williamson College Hosts Its First Job Fair
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- The Williamson College of Business Administration at Youngstown State hosted its first stand-alone job fair Wednesday, drawing 29 employers from accounting, finance, marketing and management.
Some employers came from as far as Cleveland and Columbus to talk to YSU students.
“They've heard about our Williamson College of Business Administration and the strength of our students and they're interested in hiring some of them for those jobs and internships,” said Mary Coller, director of undergraduate student services for the college. “It's really a networking opportunity. As we know, the job market is all about who you know and this is an opportunity to talk to these employers.”
In the past, job fairs for the college have been held in conjunction with the College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Coller said. Wednesday's fair was in the atrium of Williamson Hall, chosen because it's a thoroughfare for business students.
“Since students are going to be able to see what's going on here, they'll just be able to make their way through it throughout the day,” Coller said.
She expected between 100 and 150 students to stop and visit at least one employer’s booth, she added.
Some companies were in contact with students before the fair. Gregory Scerbo, accounting manager for Progressive Corp., said he's had some back-and-forth with students over the past week and planned to meet some at the fair.
“We're trying to match their qualifications with our interests and get them the opportunity to interview on campus in the next week,” he said. “There are opportunities for people with all types of backgrounds.”
At the fair, the insurance company was looking specifically to fill accounting and analysis internships.
“As accounting manager at Progressive, I'm looking to give back to the university and, on the other side, looking to find the qualified individuals to be interns,” said Scerbo, a YSU graduate. “We're interested in meeting with folks and getting to talk to them about all kinds of opportunities.”
Many students were just looking to connect with the employers, which included nearby companies such as HBK CPAs and Consultants – formerly Hill, Barth & King – and Vallourec Star, as well as national companies such as Progressive and Enterprise Holdings, which owns Enterprise Rent-A-Car and National Car Rental.
“It's important for freshman and sophomores to come out and get to know what employers are around in the Valley and get your name out there,” said sophomore Sam Anderson. “They need to see your face and know that you're interested in them.”
While she wasn't looking for any specific positions, Anderson said she would be meeting with employers she had met before.
“I'll be looking at all of the insurance, banking and finance firms that are here today,” she added. “I'll also be going around and meeting with employers I've met in the past through various business leaders and corporate tours. Basically, just saying 'Hi,' to everyone here.”
Even just meeting with potential employers, Coller said, could prove enough for students to get a foot in the door.
“It gives them a one-on-one opportunity to talk to employers about their strengths and how they can be asset to those companies,” she stated.
Pictured: YSU accounting students Chad Zirafi and Denise Eucker are interviewed by Greg Sinchak of Packer Thomas.
Copyright 2014 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
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