Get a life: Career Fair offers look at job market

Over 120 businesses converged Wednesday at the University Union Ballroom to pitch their job openings.

Employers ranging from Hewlett-Packard to Payless Shoe Source were answering questions from potential employees and browsers.

"Most of the employers that are on display today are hiring. It is a strong market right now," said Carol Williams, coordinator of experimental education programs at CSUS and the fair's organizer.

"The process is long to get the companies to come to CSUS. We sent out invitations in July for these employers so we could organize the fair that you see today."

Rakesh Nigam, a junior majoring in marketing, was among the packed crowd who braved the lines to see what was being offered.

"I want to work on my interview skills with different companies," he said. "I believe the job market is strong right now. Down the line I plan on owning my own business and want to be an entrepreneur."

Another student echoed Nigam's sentiments.

"The job market is strong. In fact, I found at least four booths that are related to my field of study, so I am optimistic," said Laurie Barnes, a junior who is has a double major in Child

Development and Women's Studies.

Employers were out discussing the skills needed to compete in today's marketplace.

"We are looking for skills such as teamwork, people that can follow through and complete the task that is assigned to them, and they must be committed and reliable. Those are the skills needed," said Robert Wharton of Hewlett-Packard.

"I think if you go to most booths, they'll look for similar skills. Especially being able to work with people."

Wharton also added that today's jobs are technology oriented and potential employees need to be familiar with what is going on in technology.

"Technical software, hardware designer positions are open now and there is also a need for accounting, finance and for mechanical engineering," he said.

For those who didn't attend the fall career fair, there's another one in the works. "There will be one in April, and we're looking forward to that," said Williams.