Tech Expo gives students networking opportunities
Students of computer science, engineering and other majors gathered Wednesday afternoon to network with companies at the annual Tech Expo.
Melissa Scheaffer, associate director of USU Career Services, who works with engineering students, said, “Sixty-nine technology-based employers attended to connect with students of all majors, regarding internship and career positions with their organizations. Over 20 of those organizations stayed to interview the fine students they met at yesterday’s event.”
Potential employers and students were upbeat about employment prospects.
Jeff Taylor, a senior majoring in mechanical engineering, said, “I see a lot of opportunities. I’ve never had a fear about finding a job after graduation.”
Justin Kaiser, a representative of Union Wireless, said “even with the slowdown in the economy, we’re still maintaining growth.”
His company was looking for both summer interns and full-time employees.
Mike Hale, a representative from Ingeo, said the Logan-based company was growing quickly.
“In the last two years things have really exploded,” he said.
According to Donna Crow, executive director of Career Services and Student Success, technical graduates earn the highest salaries upon entering the workforce. However, she said liberal arts graduates show the highest rate of increase in starting salary over time.
“Students from a variety of academic majors — technical and non-technical — made connections at last night’s Tech Expo,” Crow said. “For example, General Electric was very impressed with their student-host, who happens to be an MBA student.”
She said that the benefits of attending events like the Tech Expo extend to all majors.
“All students, no matter what they are studying, should take advantage of opportunities to build a network of contacts who can speak to their ability to add value to any employer or graduate program,” Crow said.
Graduating seniors looking for jobs were not the only students who attended.
Fred Christensen, a freshman majoring in computer science, said he attended to see what was offered and to learn what people were looking for. He planned on using the information he gained to help make a decision on an emphasis.
“This is a great place to network and find different options that are available,” he said. “I am very confident about finding employment.”
Nataly Giron, a freshman studying mechanical and aerospace engineering, said, of the employers, “They give really good advice.” She also said she felt “pretty good” about finding a job after graduating.
Rowland Bolman, a representative from Novell, said his company was looking to hire approximately 40 positions in testing, tech support, information technology and development.
“We’ve grown in certain divisions, and we are hiring against attrition,” he said.
Other companies were simply trying to get their name out and network with students.
Jamie Black, a representative of Crexendo said, “we are here trying to get our name out in the area and looking for sales reps.” She said her company is new in the area and by spreading the word and selling its product, it would create a demand for future positions in tech-related fields.
“While actual salaries remain the highest for technical graduates, when you look at the top four skills employers look for in college graduates, they are communication skills, work ethic, teamwork and analytical skills,” Crow said. “These skills are being developed by students across all academic majors.”
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