Career Fair sees record attendance despite weather

Feburary 4, 2019

By Carla Rogner

With resumes in hand, students from the School of Communication and marketing majors from the Quinlan School of Business had the opportunity to meet and network with almost 30 major companies such as the Chicago Tribune, Walker Sands Communication and WGN-TV.Loyola students set out to reach their professional goals at the January 29 Marketing, Communication and Media Career Fair in Schreiber Center.

About 280 students attended the fair which, according to event organizer Brigitte Petersen, was a great turnout considering the weather conditions, which included a snowstorm and chilling temperatures from an approaching Polar Vortex.

This was the first time the School of Communication joined forces with the Quinlan School of Business Marketing department for the career fair. Petersen said the partnership was “a natural integration” and beneficial for students.

“It’s nice for employers to be able to see both groups of students and I think it saves them some time than to have to come back for separate events.” said Petersen, Associate Director of Loyola’s Career Development Center. “It gives students more exposure to the different companies that are out there.”

The School of Communications’ Internship and Career Coordinator Michael Limón said students who attended the fair are at an advantage when it comes to securing jobs and internships.

“Whether you’re a freshman or a senior it is so important to get your face seen, get those business cards and make those connections because they often pay off down the road,” Limón said.

Chicago Sun Times reporter Robert Herguth attended the fair to advertise internship positions at the newspaper.

“We get to look at a lot of really good resumes and meet some great students and make great connections for internships,” Herguth said. “We’ve had many Loyola students intern with the [Chicago] Sun Times and it’s been a really positive experience.”

The Marketing, Communication and Media Career Fair was the final event of Career Week 2019. In three earlier events, students had the opportunity to brush up on their professional skills and have their resumes critiqued by professionals at different career week events.

Loyola senior Sophie Mark, an advertising and public relations major, said attending the “Better Business Writing” workshop and the “Resume Round Robin” helped her feel prepared for the career fair.

“There were a lot of really good professionals there so just getting to talk to them and ask them questions was really helpful,” Mark said. She left the fair feeling hopeful in her search for a full-time job. “A lot of the agencies I am interested in were here, so it was great to see them in person and ask them questions,” she said.

The next opportunity for School of Communication students to meet potential employers will be at the University Career & Internship Fair in Damen Student Center on Feb. 20. Petersen said that with 60 employers already signed up for the fair, students can expect to find a wide array of opportunities.