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UF hosts a chance for students to find the perfect fit on campus.
By Pulse Staff
Putting a name with a face is one of the big benefits of the annual on-campus student job fair at the University of Findlay. The office of Human Resources held its third student job fair Aug. 16. The event took place in Winebrenner Auditorium in two sessions, a morning and an afternoon session.
Mariah Schroeder, Human Resources Generalist at UF, says the event generally has a good showing and this year they counted about 200 students for both sessions.
“Last year, when we did this, we had about 150 to 200 students that stopped in through both of our sessions,” Schroeder said.
Various departments around campus typically post job openings for students online in WorkDay where students can access and apply. But this event gives them a chance at a hands-on job search.
“And it really gives students an opportunity to have that face-to-face communication with supervisors that they wouldn’t normally get just by applying online,” Schroeder said.
There are a few extra employers who participate that are not strictly UF services but are part of the off-campus community work-study program.
“The University partners with a few non-profits, both schools and places like Habitat for Humanity,” Schroeder said. “We have to spend a certain amount of federal funds off campus and we work with partners like Habitat, Boy Scouts, and local schools for primary school tutoring, to assist with that.”
Schroeder says only students who are work-study eligible can be hired for those positions.
“In order to be WS (work study) eligible, a student must first complete the FAFSA to determine the EFC Estimated Family Contribution and determine if there is a financial need,” Schroeder said. “Work Study is a form of financial aid the student receives only if they work on campus.”
Dr. Kerry Teeple, Assistant Professor of Teaching in Education, had a table set up for students to talk with her about tutoring opportunities. She says she has never participated in the job fair before.
“I loved it,” Teeple said. “It was really well organized. I felt like I was so happy to see so many students who were professional and asking great questions and interested in getting a job on campus.”
Teeple says the freshmen she talked to were especially impressive.
“Hats off to them! They just started school yesterday and they’re coming here trying to find employment,” Teeple said.
The Center for Career and Professional Development was on hand at the event to take photos so students could get their professional headshot taken. Participants could also enter a raffle for UF swag.
Schroeder says the University employs between 800 and 900 students each year. On-campus employment typically allows schedule flexibility for students, and it’s a chance for students to get to know other students outside the classroom.
And if at first you don’t succeed, try again.
“Keep applying for jobs on campus,” Schroeder said. “Just because you don’t get your first choice doesn’t mean there aren’t great opportunities out there for other positions on campus.
Teeple says when it comes to looking for a campus job, you don’t have to stay within your major.
“Find something you will enjoy doing because studies come first. If you find the right job it can be kind of relaxing or add value to your life in another way,” Teeple said.
Teeple has worked with students outside the college of education with good results. “It gave them a chance to relax, put their brain in a different place, and find meaning in something else.”
