Daily Pioneer News

PLATTEVILLE - The University of Wisconsin-Platteville will be holding its Spring 2006 Career Fair on Wednesday, Feb. 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Robert I. Velzy Commons at the Ullsvik Center. More than 100 employers will be attending; a few of these employers recently explained what they typically look for in candidates and shared their advice. Rayelle Miller, a representative from Pella Corporation, Pella, Iowa, happens to be a recent UWP alumna and remembers what current students are going through. She said, "Your career is a major step toward the rest of your life, so spend time preparing for it through your classes, extra curricular activities and events like the career fair. UWP works hard to put together services in order to help you get the job; make sure you use them! And, if offered interviews at companies that might not be your first pick, take them, do your best and be yourself ... that's how I found Pella!"

Pella Corporation looks for students who possess "leadership experience and time management skills"; they also look at a student's involvement with groups, classes and grade point average, said Miller. Mark Hamer, district manager of the Lancaster field office of the Social Security Administration, emphasized that having a positive attitude is important. He advised, "Have a very positive attitude. Students should show that they are willing to do whatever is necessary to obtain a job. A positive attitude carries over to everything they do. That's what I'm looking for when I meet students." It is also important for students to be courteous and behave in a professional manner. "Students should introduce themselves when they meet an employer and say 'thank you.' These types of interpersonal skills are very important in the workplace, especially in positions that serve the public," said Hamer.

Laura Charette, the cooperate recruiter for the Wisconsin Public Service Corporation in Green Bay, had some specific advice for those students looking for internships or co-ops. She said, "Start looking early, as much as nine months in advance. We typically hire most of our interns in the fall prior to the summer of each year." She said that WPS looks for students who are, "approachable and willing to communicate their skills. ... In addition to grade point average, we look at students' willingness to learn and previous work experience." Miller, Hamer and Charette agree that showing confidence is important. They suggest having good eye contact, a smile and a firm handshake. Dressing professional also makes a good impression. They agree that students should prepare for the career fair by researching the companies before they attend. When students learn background information and what jobs are available, students are able to ask more pointed questions. Hamer said, "Instead of asking what jobs are available, students can ask what skills employers are looking for." Students may want to prepare for the possibility of being asked back the following day for an interview with select companies.

Students with a CareerLink account are welcome to pre-register for the career fair. Anyone interested in having his or her resume reviewed by a career counselor at the Career Center may call for an appointment at (608) 342-1183 or visit the Career Center in the Ullsvik Center. Other questions regarding the career fair may be directed to Diana Trendt, interim director, through e-mail attrendtd@uwplatt.edu or the above phone number, or visit the website atwww.uwplatt.edu/careercenter/careerfair/index.html Brief descriptions of the companies attending are also available on this website.

Contact: Diana Trendt, interim director, Career Center, (608) 342-1183,trendtd@uwplatt.edu

Prepared by: Kate McKinney, UWP Public Relations, (608) 342-1194,mckinnka@uwplatt.edu