Erin DeGregorio ’16
Confident conversations, which took place between Siena students and representatives from various organizations, filled the air of the Marcelle Athletic Complex during the 2016 Career, Internship and Graduate School Fair.
With the conclusion of the spring semester just a few weeks away, the annual spring-time fair allowed students of all class years and majors to showcase their résumés, explore new professional and academic possibilities, and strengthen their networking skills. Graduating seniors had the opportunity to speak with graduate school representatives face-to-face and inquire about full-time and part-time positions with company employers. Many companies and organizations also informed interested students of internship opportunities and positions that would further develop their résumés and ‘real-world’ experiences.
While students made their rounds down each and every aisle of the gymnasium, representatives from 120 organizations, including many Siena alumni, were in attendance to search for talent and potential, answer questions, and provide information to students. The strong presence of alumni every year continually highlights the strong bond former students still continue to have with their alma mater and the potential they see in current students here at Siena. Additionally, the chance to talk to former Saints who were once in their shoes allowed many students to find and create a connection that could potentially lead to something bigger and better in the future.
“One of the biggest reasons we put on the annual Career, Internship & Graduate School Fair is to connect students with a wide variety of employers. Networking is a key component in helping students obtain internships, part time and full time opportunities that provide them with the essential hands-on experience to be successful after they leave Siena,” said Assistant Director for Employer Relations, Ashley Dwyer ’08. “This [was] a great opportunity for students to not only learn about a variety of different companies hiring, but also develop the confidence and interpersonal communication skills necessary to secure a position in their field of interest.”
Marketing major and English minor Julian Lavelle ’17, attended the fair for the first time in hopes of networking and finding an organization that met his current passions and goals. Currently, Lavelle is the School of Liberal Arts’ office intern and student liaison, where he often connects with Liberal Arts students by running and maintaining the school’s social media platforms and blog website. Having interned there for nearly the entire academic year, he feels confident that his major and minor are a good combination to have for his future goals.
“Because this was my first time attending the Career Fair, the possibility of networking alone gave me the incentive to come here and definitely come back next year,” said Lavelle. “Just walking up to someone is a confidence booster."
While Siena’s graduating seniors will pursue their own academic and professional endeavors after they cross the Times Union stage in May, the remaining undergraduates and incoming freshmen have the chance to mark their calendars and prep for next year’s Fair by attending the Career Center’s workshops and events.
“We also host several pre-Fair events that I would argue are just as important as actually attending the Fair. These events help students develop essential knowledge and skill sets with professional dress, résumé writing, interviewing, networking and general conduct and tips for success at networking events such as the Fair,” advised Dwyer. “These programs also act as excellent networking opportunities as we ask attending employers to participate in them and provide their guidance and perspectives on these topics. We have found that students who attend these programs are more confident and prepared going into the Career Fair and walk out with more prospects in hand.”
