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On Wednesday, Oct. 5, the annual Career and Internship Fair at �¼������ϲʹٷ���վ University hosted more than 50 prospective employers on campus in search of students to hire as interns and employees. With a record number of both students and employers in attendance, the event put on by �¼������ϲʹٷ���վ’s Center for Academic & Professional Performance (CAPP) was considered a big success.

According to Starla Street, CAPP success coach, more than 200 �¼������ϲʹٷ���վ students participated in the event, taking advantage of the opportunity to meet potential employers face-to-face and engage in interview-like conversations. “Our students were excited to be exploring the many companies represented,” Street said. 

The businesses and organizations present spanned industries from glass manufacturing, healthcare and military to education, insurance and law enforcement. These employers discussed future plans, goals and career interests with �¼������ϲʹٷ���վ students and experienced firsthand how �¼������ϲʹٷ���վ prepares its students for life after graduation. “Employers shared with me how impressed they were with our students’ professionalism, resumes and elevator pitches,” Street commented. 

For many students, the event was an opportunity to combine their experiences from previous events held by CAPP, including resume reviews, mock interviews and the Dress to Impress wardrobe assistance event. These opportunities, along with the comprehensive academic support services provided by CAPP, play a big part in the future career success of �¼������ϲʹٷ���վ students. 

The Class of 2020-2021 survey of recent graduate outcomes conducted by CAPP conveyed a 99% graduate success rate. This graduate success rate means that 99% of graduates reported that they were either employed or continuing their education within six months of graduating from �¼������ϲʹٷ���վ. “Our 99% graduate success rate is directly tied to the remarkable faculty and the Performance Learning experience being done at �¼������ϲʹٷ���վ,” said Carrie Pierson, dean of academic support services with CAPP.

Many employers who attended the event were already familiar with �¼������ϲʹٷ���վ students, having hired several for previous internships and positions. Some student interns have also been hired for full-time positions by the same organizations they met at the Career Fair. Representatives from State Farm and ADM, both large corporations with operations in central Illinois, hoped to add more �¼������ϲʹٷ���վ members to their teams.

“Alumni from leading companies in the area come to campus to participate in our mock interviews, as well,” Street said, highlighting how �¼������ϲʹٷ���վ students have multiple opportunities to interact with local businesses. 

The value of meeting employers across a wide array of industries is only one reason CAPP hosts the event each year. Students representing every major and program at �¼������ϲʹٷ���վ can meet leaders in their career field and market themselves as qualified candidates. “The faculty at �¼������ϲʹٷ���վ University prepare students to be well-equipped for their first professional job or for graduate school,” Pierson said.

Street mentioned that the primary purpose of the fair is to provide �¼������ϲʹٷ���վ students with a first step into the job market. “Getting the confidence to speak with employers is a great first step. Every year, the fair gives �¼������ϲʹٷ���վ students the chance to have real conversations with employers and learn what they are looking for.”