COCC and OSU Career Fair: Linking Locally Educated Students with Central Oregon Employment

(Photo above: Students at the Career Fair | by Krystal Marie Collins)

With about four months to go until graduation, more than 50 employers representing both Central Oregon and national companies and organizations were on hand to meet with students Wednesday March 2, during a career fair hosted jointly by Oregon State University and Cascades and Central Oregon Community College.

It provided students and alumni of both schools an opportunity to meet potential employers and to better understand employers’ needs and the job market.

Employers present included U.S. Army, Bank of the Cascades, Bend Park & Recreation District, Bend Research, Brasada Ranch, Butler Aircraft Services, City of Lincoln City, G5, GL Solutions, Home Instead Senior Care, Horizon Broadcasting Group, IBEX Global, Oregon State Police, Patheon/Agere Pharmaceuticals, Rogue Farm Corps, St. Charles Health System, Transportation Security Administration and Xanterra Parks & Resorts.

Laura Kloss, career services director for Oregon State University Cascades said, “Five years ago we started these fairs, and at that time they were quite small. We almost had to beg local employers to come because they didn’t have job vacancies to offer. It was more of an opportunity to get students prepped for the job fairs that would be happening in the Valley.

“Although, the last few years we have seen a difference. Local employers have jobs to offer and this year was the biggest fair we have seen both with employers and prospective employees and we project it will just keep growing. We plan to continue integrating our recruiting efforts for Central Oregon Community College and Oregon State.”

Local software engineering outfit G5 has found much success finding employees during the fair. Carrie Percich of G5 says, “We hire at this fair every year, between one and three people, and they have all been fantastic employees. This event is a great resource for companies seeking interns and employees.”

Recent alumni Dani Edgel can attest to the merits of the career fair. She explains at this time last year she approached Percich at the G5 booth during the career fair. Although Percichi was seeking to hire software engineers, Edgel was so impressive a human resources internship was developed for her. After three months Edgel was hired full time and is now a human resources generalist for G5.

Edgel advises students readying themselves for graduation, “Make sure you always have an up-to-date resume on hand. Go to every single booth and talk to every employer because you never know what opportunities might be out there.”

For more information visit http://osucascades.edu/cdc/osu-cascades-cocc-career-fair or contact info@osucascades.edu.