Rain can’t stop job fair
Despite a still troubled economy, Thursday’s Student Job Fair saw roughly the same number of students and employers as last year.
With résumés and class schedules in hand, around 1,400 UI students wandered through the fair in search of the perfect part-time job.
Twenty-six employers set up booths in the IMU Main Lounge, slightly fewer than last year’s 30, said Cynthia Seyfer, an associate director of the UI Office of Student Financial Aid.
Turnout of prospective employees was also marginally less than last year, when the fair catered to 1,500, Seyfer said.
“Blame it on the weather,” she said.
But the rain didn’t stop some job-seeking students from attending, including UI freshman Shawn Sexton.
The integrated-physiology major said he was searching for a job that allowed him to communicate with others on a regular basis.
Sexton said he was filling out applications for UI Recreational Services, the Pomerantz Visitor Center, and athletics facilities, all of which would allow him to interact with his peers while working.
Sexton said he would need to develop a good strategy for balancing work, school and student organizations.
“I’m going to have to stay up late and study,” he said.
Other students expressed concern over juggling their time, but said they need the extra cash.
Connor Schulte, a UI sophomore, said his new apartment spurred his job search.
After moving into his first Iowa City apartment, Schulte found himself responsible for paying for rent and food.
The job fair also boasted booths from work-study programs, which students who qualified preferred over regular part-time jobs.
UI freshman Samantha Gorski said she was seeking a work-study program related to her pharmacy major that also helped pay the bills.
“I’m trying to save up money, and I need cash,” the 18-year-old said as she rapidly filled out the 10 applications spread in front of her.
Employers at the fair said they were looking for a wide variety of majors, students and abilities.
Matt Ruzek, the head of the Willowwind School, said he was looking for education majors to do a variety of jobs at the independent elementary school, including helping with fundraising efforts and serving as secretaries.
While the work-study booths seemed to have shorter lines than on-campus booths, Ruzek said the day was successful.
UI Foundation Telefund Program employees Pat Quinn and Bryce Anderson — both UI juniors — were also searching for employees who can “think on their feet.”
Though the number of students far outnumbered employer booths, many students remained positive about their job-search experience.
“I’m optimistic even though there are quite a few people,” Schulte said of his job-seeking competitors.
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