Find a job!

Searching for a first job or an opportunity for a better one? If so, the 2011 Rowan University Career and Graduate School fair will be a great place to look.

The fair, scheduled for Feb. 22 from 10 to 3 in the Recreation Center, is expected to host as many as 100 employers from the worlds of business, government, and retail as well as representatives from leading graduate programs.

Ruben Britt, assistant director of Rowan's Career and Academic Planning Center, said with the recent thaw after the worst recession in decades opportunities are heating up.

"Employers have begun to hire," Britt said.

He said while many local and state governments have cut back, the federal government remains a strong avenue for employment. In fact, the government is so actively recruiting applicants that a special federal jobs fair was held on campus in November.

"Many students don't think of the federal government for their career but they should," Britt said. "There is job security with the federal government and they hire students from all majors. And there are good opportunities for advancement."

He noted that the increasing retirement rate of baby boomers is creating additional opportunity for recent graduates.

Private sector opportunities are also rapidly improving, especially in such areas as financial services and retail, Britt said.

Among employers who committed early to attend the Rowan career fair are representatives from Target, Northwestern Mutual, Fastenal, TD Bank, Walgreens, Aerotek, Wawa Markets and Wells Fargo, Britt said.

"Even the retailers - Wawa, Target, Walgreens - are looking for management trainees," he said.

Dress for success

In addition to job opportunities, the fair will be a great place to find internship leads. Open to students as well as alumni, it will be an opportunity to not only network with potential employers but to practice preparation and interview skills.

Last year more than 350 students and alumni attended the career fair, many of who landed internships, interviews and, ultimately, job offers, Britt said.

He said attendees should decide in advance what they hope to get out of the fair and to dress and prepare appropriately.

Students should bring copies of their resume, ask for business cards, and follow up with a personal thank you note - a practice that makes a candidate stand out but few follow through on. Also, attendees should turn off their cell phones beforehand.

"This is an opportunity to speak directly to potential employers and you want to make the best impression you can," he said.

For information about preparing a resume, developing interview skills and conducting a job search, students and alumni may stop in to the Career and Academic Planning Center in Savitz Hall or visit online at www.rowan.edu/cap.