Student preparation essential for upcoming Career Fair

By Ryan Morrison - Guest Commentary

The Springfield Area Collegiate Career Fair is quickly approaching for students and alumni.  To be held on Friday, February 17th from 9:00 to 1:00 in the UIS Public Affairs Center, this event brings together nearly 100 employers for students from the five regional colleges.  It is an opportunity for upcoming and recent graduates to meet recruiters and begin networking, distribute resumes, increase knowledge about specific career fields and ultimately take a critical, professional step towards securing a job.
In preparation for the Fair, students should keep some basic, but essential tips in mind.  First, target and research your top ten companies out of the list of employers that will be in attendance (a up-to-date list is available at www.uis.edu/careerservices).  While you should make time to visit all employers at the event, keep in mind that most will have positions for your major and so you should know those that fit you best.
            Prepare a resume and cover letter and be prepared to sell yourself.  A well written, error free resume is a must!  Keep multiple copies handy and tailor specific versions of your resume to targeted employers.  You should also have a 30-second “commercial” about yourself that gives each employer an idea of your education, experience, strengths etc.  Always include a smile and a firm handshake.
            Creating a list of questions is another way to show you are a serious and informed candidate for a job.  Ask specific questions related to the company, not general ones, so that you appear genuinely interested and current on each company.  Also be prepared to answer questions about yourself and possible positions on the spot, so come ready to think.
            Lastly, remember to follow-up.  Don’t make the mistake of thinking that as soon as you have spoken to the last employer and left the event that you are finished!  Be sure to send thank you letters to employers that you spoke in-depth to within one week.  Most candidates do not make the effort to send thank you letters, so why not give yourself the competitive edge?        
Come prepared and dressed professionally.  If you are uncertain as to what is appropriate, there is a professional dress-code outline available on the Career Development Center’s website or students may visit the Center in the Student Affairs Building for any preparation advice.  Good luck to all those who attend!

Many students indifferent about Coca-Cola

By Laura Camper - General Assignment Reporter

In an informal survey of University of Illinois at Springfield students, the majority of students interviewed do not care whether Coke products remain on campus or not. Of the sixteen students surveyed, twelve students either are Pepsi drinkers or drink both colas.
Stephanie Hackett, a junior and Pepsi drinker says, “I would not support a ban.”  Hackett went on to say, “Personally, I kind of like the fact that you have the option.”
However, Hackett’s was not a majority opinion.  Most of the surveyed Pepsi drinkers echo freshman Cody Cooper who says, “I don’t really care as long as I’ve still got Pepsi.”
Coke drinkers, who have more of a stake in the decision, have more definite opinions on the removal of Coke products from campus. Sveta Rukosuev, a junior, is passionate in her opinion. “In my country (Pakistan) Pepsi was using stuff that would make women less fertile. I hate Pepsi,” she said.
Philip Rukosuev, also a junior and a Coke drinker, says. “It’s ridiculous. Who knows what is going on with Pepsi?”
Freshman Julia Khnyhin, a Coke drinker, agrees saying, “I don’t think it’s really fair.  There are plenty of companies doing the same thing and we just haven’t investigated it, so it doesn’t really matter.”
A few students felt that they would have to do more research into the topic before they could form an opinion.  One of them, Angela Leothold, a freshman and a Pepsi drinker, says she has only heard a little bit about the issue.  “I don’t really know enough about the issue.” But, she says, she has no intention of investigating further.  “I don’t really care.”
One of the students surveyed, Coke drinker and senior, Troy England says, “If human rights are being violated, than I’ll go without Coke.”

Student preparation essential for upcoming career fair

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Many students indifferent about Coca Cola