Career fair check-in
More than 150 current students and graduates of Rockford Career College (RCC) flocked to the RCC on August 5 for the most practical of reasons. They attended an employer partner career fair to meet with representatives from 27 local companies and potentially land a job.
Pretty cool, right?
The companies that showed up set up exhibition booths for the best of purposes, too. The employers were there to scout for talent, collect resumes and possibly even schedule interviews with candidates. They were hunting for trained professionals interested in getting hired and pursuing new career opportunities.
The job seekers, in turn, networked with prospective employers, gathered information about individual organizations and – as if in speed dating – delivered elevator pitches. It was all highly personal. No AI, no algorithms and no job applications submitted through website portals. Just handshakes, eye-to-eye contact and face-to-face conversations taking place in real time.
Even cooler, no?
Students and graduates introduced themselves to employers, and vice versa, smiles appearing everywhere. Employers passed out business cards and job-seekers took home brochures and branded souvenirs.
Highlight reel
Many of the employers – for example, Sheet Metal Workers Local 219 and Hughes Recruiting & Consulting – have previously hired RCC graduates. Indeed, several RCC students left the event with job interviews already scheduled.
“I’ve loved every interaction I’ve ever had with Rockford Career College,” said Andrew Reynolds, a business development specialist and talent and team development lead for Express Employment Professionals, at the event. “The students are always bright and on point.”
“It was an exciting day,” said Carol Taylor, RCC’s director of career services. “It was filled with networking, career exploration, and meaningful conversations that will lead to employment opportunities for our RCC rockstars.”
Employers on hand spanned the spectrum of career sectors.
Lined up over here on our campus were healthcare companies ranging from Addus HomeCare and Mercyhealth to PCI Pharma Services, Rockford Rehab and Crusader Community Health.
Stationed over there were educational institutions such as Rockford Daycare and Academy, St. Ambrose University and Upper Iowa University.
Recruiters joined the occasion, too – Spherion Staffing & Recruiting, The Workforce Connection and FurstStaffing.
Also there were the Hard Rock Casino Rockford and manufacturers including Swenson Spreader, Hennig Power and Imperial Punch and Manufacturing, Inc.
“This feedback will help us enhance future career services events and strengthen the experience for both employers and students,” said RCC’s Carol Taylor. “We are proud to continue creating opportunities, building meaningful partnerships, and helping our students launch rewarding careers.”
College job fairs are still as popular as ever, research suggests, despite all the digital options available for applying for openings. But job fairs at vocational colleges, such as RCC, are different from those at traditional four-year universities. They take a more targeted approach toward career options, zeroing in on particular professions, such as nursing and welding, and therefore might result in more hiring.
“We want our students to get their dream jobs – and long-term careers that will change their lives,” said Danielle Harriott, RCC’s vice president of community outreach and alumni affairs.
This successful event is another example of how #RockfordWorks
Photography by KB Digital
