Report from the Job Fair

70 companies stormed the campus...but did students walk away with work?by Jamelia Lowman.Every year hundreds of students, resumes in hand, pass through the Great Hall to meet with employers from dozens of companies at CCNY’s annual career fair. At this years’ event on March 8, 70 companies, including Harlem Children’s Zone, FDM Group and Kiddie Keep Well Camp, met with students in search of work. How did it go? Experiences varied.Alisha Chinatomby, a recent graduate, said that she was hoping to find a full-time gig. Though she didn't leave the room with a job in her pocket, she's remaining positive as she waits for word about a possible hire. “I wouldn’t say successful but I definitely accomplished what I came here to do,” says Chinatomby, who majored in English when she was in college.Jorge Pulido, another student, said it was just ok for him. “My biggest issue with the career fair is that most of the companies were saying to apply online,” says Pulido, a mechanical engineering major. “This is my third time attending this career fair. While it gives students a chance to improve certain skills, not all the employers are helpful.”Anthony Mainville, a first time attendee, agreed. Though he felt rushed, he did see the event as a “confidence booster.”  “I feel like the fair was helpful enough,” says Mainville, who will graduate in June. “I wish I had more time to talk to the employers. I only went to six tables.”So overall, how can students get the most out of employment fairs? David Thompson, a counselor at the career center, said preparation is key. “The trick is to walk into the room ready with copies of a great resume, business attire and confidence,” says Thompson. “Most students still show up not prepared and then they wonder why they didn’t get a job or the call for an interview.”