Students eagerly walked around from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Feb. 20 to collect contact cards and shake hands with future employers in the University Union Ballroom for the Spring Career Fair.

Campus recruitment events are essential to increase students’ chances of obtaining a job once out of college by providing networking opportunities and employer information, organizers of the fair said.

The Career Center, the organizer of the event, works with Sac State students in order to reduce the chances of failure at obtaining a job once out of college. The center provides information on internship applications and job postings in businesses pertaining to students’ majors.

Studies performed by Penn State University professor Kenneth C. Gray show that 67 percent of college graduates are not working in their respective fields.

Ramirez said the fair offers students a chance to examine different programs that train students in building résumés, developing interviewing skills and Internet databases to acquire a job.

Senior mechanical engineering major Blong Xiong attended the Career Center to obtain information regarding technological businesses in hopes of finding a job once he graduates in the spring semester.

Tired of having a part-time job, junior Rigo Villanueva obtained the Department of Forestry’s contact information to pursue his career as a firefighter.

In an attempt to find a job outside of retail, Villanueva said he sought networking opportunities at the fair.

Summer job programs were available for students interested in working outdoors and maintaining tourism in national parks.

“The Yosemite National Park was recruiting seniors who want to obtain great skills in a beautiful location and opportunities to explore and hike in the area,” said Laura Chestain, recruitment manager for Human Resources.

Students who enjoy outdoor activities were directed to the booth where the Girl Scouts provided information on different programs available with flexible working hours and opportunities for field trips. The group offered job opportunities to help young girls who are in juvenile detention facilities and who are homeless.

“We help young girls build their self-esteem, live a healthy life without drugs and start their own business through the famous cookie sales,” said Ophelia Lorray, human resources associate for the Girl Scouts.

Lorray said the scouts primarily looked for students who enjoy working with elementary school kids by helping young girls succeed in life.

The opportunity was given to students with communications or music majors for an unpaid internship with the Capitol Radio Station. CPR provides internships within its news, jazz music and engineering departments.

Capitol Radio Business Assistant Victoria Hagely sought students eager to work in radio to share their ideas for CPR.

“Students interested in pursuing a career in National Public Radio, passionate and knowledgeable, will be perfect for our intern programs,” Hagely said.

Career Center Intern Griselda Zuñiga said the fair provided essential networking tools and opportunities to socialize and obtain awareness of what is out in the real world.

Zuñiga stood outside the exit doors requesting students to fill out a Career Fair survey.

“We really want to know if the Career Fair has any effects in students in order for the Career Center to better the program,” Zuñiga said.

Students who were unable to attend the career fair will be able to attend upcoming fairs available throughout the semester.

Recruitment fairs will run March 10 through May 9. Graduate students will have the chance to practice their interviewing skills with corporations and non-profit organizations.

Vanessa Guerrero can be reached at [email protected].