by Lindsay Cox
Career Services partnered with Student life to host this semester’s job fair in Parkland’s College Center. Carrie Harris, a career counselor, said that they host a job fair twice a semester. There were 20 employers at the job fair last Wednesday, Aug. 21. “We don’t want to overwhelm our students,” Harris explained. “The purpose is to get comfortable talking professionally, even if you aren’t looking for a job. It is there to help students to practice their social skills.” Career Services offers free assistance with resumes, cover letters, and mock interviews. An online job board is also available to students on the Parkland website.
Many different employers occupied booths at the fair. Some positions that were offered provide a lot of opportunities for advancement, personal growth and flexible schedules. Chic–fil-A was one of these booths. The owners were very passionate when speaking about their company. “We are very accommodating with students. We understand that school comes first. We will work with a student’s schedule. We are career oriented. You will work hand in hand with the local owner to gain professional experience.” When asked what kind of employee they were looking for, Bob, the owner, responds, “Students who have a desire to learn and to be better.” Chic–fil–A doesn’t have an opening date yet, but people can still apply online.
Also, Finish Line is business that seems to understand a student’s work schedule. When asked why they chose to come to Parkland, Pedro, the Area Manager of Finish Line for Central Illinois responds, “With college students we see a little bit of a better success coming out of them. Geared up ready to hit the labor force.” Pedro also explained that,” There are a lot of opportunities for career growth. You can move up quickly,” Pedro said. “We have flexible schedules. Be realistic about what you can handle. School is your priority.” Students can even have a box schedule to work in between classes. The team at the Finish Line booth encourages students to apply. Pedro closes his interview by imparting some wisdom. “The skills you learn here are transferrable to any field. Get work experience while in college to help you get the job that you want after you graduate. When applying, the more information you have on your resume the better. Make sure you put everything that’s relevant and consistent, put some time and energy into your application. Come in and introduce yourself. It helps us to put a face with the name.”
Kenny Thompson, a Sears in–home services employee for 22 years, was also excited to share information about his booth. “Our business is family oriented. We are focused on work life balance and work well with time constraints. There is plenty of room for advancement. I started at entry level and now work at management level. This is a good first job.” Sears in–home services focuses on appliance repairs such as refrigerators and dryers. They are looking for students who are self-motivated, willing to learn and who want to brighten their future.
Another job available to students was at Reflections: A Memory Care Residence. There’s no need to worry about lack of experience, because they offer training. Dorsey Ostendorff, the Assisted Living Wellness Director of Reflections and Parkland alumni, describes Reflections as a “more laid back and family oriented” establishment. Lori Coff, the Memory Care Wellness Director of Reflections and Parkland alumni, said, “Our staff is like family. We are accommodating with our student workers. We are also Christian based. Our motto is ‘We work where they live, they don’t live where we work.’” Reflections is looking for CNAs, DAs, and an activity director.
“Our staff is like family. We are accommodating with our student workers.”
Students who have a busy schedule but need some extra cash can apply with Stout’s building. They are a commercial janitorial service. Stout’s is looking for part time evening/weekend employees who are self-starters who can work independently. Having reliable transportation is a requirement. They have flexible schedules. You can work from 2-20 hours a week.
If you would prefer a job on campus, Wesley Food Pantry is looking for a Site Coordinator. The job title sounds intimidating, but the Pantry Director, Dawn Longfellow states that they are looking for a student who is personable, responsible and able to lift a case of canned goods. It’s also important that the applicant can work well with different varieties of people and able to work well under pressure. The food pantry feeds 200 families a month. The pantry is in the M wing. This job will only offer 5-10 hours a week. The applicant’s schedule must coincide with the hours of the pantry. Longfellow mentions that this will be a great place to jump into the career field. As the Site Coordinator, “You will gain a lot of different kinds of experience working with different kinds of people,” said Longfellow. These job positions are a good way to get your foot in the door as well as to grow socially and professionally. No one expects you to be perfect from the beginning; just show up and be willing to work and learn as you go. The jobs listed are just a few of the opportunities waiting for you. If none of those interest you, be sure to check the job boards online for more openings.
