The Sacramento Kings, UC Davis Health Systems and the California Office of Legislative Counsel are just a few of the companies that will be attending the “Fun in the Sun Internship Fair” on Friday, May 1 in Serna Plaza at Sacramento State.

The fair wraps up Internship Awareness Week, which begins Monday, April 27, with an introduction to the value of internships presented by Candace McGee, internship program manager for the Academic Advising & Career Center at Sac State, at 11 a.m. in the Union Lobby Suite, followed by “Effective Resume Secrets” presented by Lizz Proctor, human resources officer for the California Office of Legislative Counsel.

“Lizz Proctor has a unique and different way of creating resumes,” said McGee.

The awareness week aims to inform students and connect them to companies who want to hire Sac State students for summer internships.

“Employers are looking for people who not only have a degree but also have experience in their field,” said McGee. “What else have you done to prepare for a career? It could be an interview question.”

McGee said that internships are a great way for students to show their skills and secure permanent employment because employers use internships to screen for potential future openings in the company.

The Sacramento Kings internship coordinator, Kyle Ellington, will be on campus on Tuesday, April 28 at 11 a.m in the Union’s Orchard Suite. He will be explaining how to secure a spot with the Kings internship program and giving away prizes to those who know their Kings trivia.

Ellington said the Kings are looking for energetic, creative, dependable interns who are great communicators with a passion for sports and entertainment.

“Internships contribute to a student’s education, professional growth and development. Internships give students hands-on experience unavailable in the classroom,” said Ellington. “The Kings are proud to provide a rich combination of educational and networking activities that give our interns an impacting, mutually beneficial and fun experience.”

Ellington also explained that an internship with the Kings may increase access to employment opportunities when they become available.

Sleep Train Mattress Centers has attended the fair in past years but was unable to secure a spot this year. Jorge Rodriguez, Sleep Train valley district trainer leader, said that Sleep Train values interns because they allow the company to gain insight from the next generation of business professionals and entrepreneurs.

“Our company philosophy is the more you give, the more you will get out of your experience with us,” said Rodriguez. “We strive to ensure you will grow both professionally, but more so personally, from your time here with us.”

Rodriguez explained that the Sleep Train internship is paid with the possibility of commission, the prospect of a scholarship and a permanent position with flexible availability.

Other presentations during the week include a “UEI Jobs” explaining how to apply for a job with University Enterprises, Inc., on Tuesday, and “All You Need to Know to Be a Successful Intern” and “Study Abroad” on Wednesday.

McGee eluded that she had something in the works for an event of Thursday but declined to give details until the event was confirmed.