C&IS to hold career Fair

After graduation, students seeking careers in the field of communications usually have to go through the rigorous process of finding a job. Due to the rising popularity of online publications and news sources of all types, students tend to begin the job hunt before they graduate, so they will be prepared for what is to come.

On Friday, the College of Communication and Information Sciences will host a Communication Career Fair in the Ferguson Center Ballroom from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The career fair is open to all students, and it will allow them to meet media professionals from approximately 30 companies all over the Southeast. Many of those companies will also be searching for interns and employees during the career fair.

For some underclassmen, the career fair is a chance to become familiar with the companies that will be represented.

Amanda Coppock, a freshman majoring in public relations, said, "I am going to the career fair to try to meet some people for future internships and job opportunities."

Caryl Cooper, assistant dean of C&IS, is the coordinator for this year's career fair. She said it is important for students to imagine the possibilities of their careers and their lives. "Students need to make informed decisions and the Communication Career Fair is a source for that kind of information," she said.

Nichole Evans, a sophomore majoring in broadcast news, said she plans on attending the career fair.

"I think it will help me see what opportunities are out there while planning what I want to do with my major," she said.

This year the career fair will include two optional workshops for students to attend. The Sports Communication Workshop is scheduled for 11 a.m. to noon. It will include a group of professionals who work in reporting, announcing, sports information, marketing and public relations. The Media Sales Workshop will be from 2 to 3 p.m. and will include professionals who work in media sales and management. Both workshops will be held in the Ferguson Heritage Room.

Courtney Thompson, a sophomore majoring in telecommunication and film, said she has attended the career fair before.

"I went last year and got some brochures, and I've read through those, so this year I plan to ask some specific questions," she said.

Registration is not required to attend the career fair, but it is preferred. Students can send an e-mail including their names to jobfair4@bama.ua.edu to sign up. This year, students can also use their ACTion cards to register. Students are encouraged to bring resumes and samples of their work to leave with potential employers.

Cooper said recruiters are looking for students who have the skills to perform well at a job or internship.

"Recruiters want to know if the students are creative, can think critically and can solve problems," she said. "They want students that are authentic and can bring innovative ideas to their organizations. The media industry is changing daily, and recruiters want students that are adaptable and aware of the forces of changes."

Any companies interested in participating can send an e-mail to cooper@apr.ua.edu, including the name, title and e-mail address of the representative, the name of the company, city/state, preferred length of interviews and whether they need Internet connections and interview space.