The Career Fair was held in Founders Hall at Guilford, recruiting for entry-level internships, jobs and volunteer positions. Several organizations attended on Wednesday, Feb. 11, with colorful tables and flyers while speaking with curious students.
Students were able to meet with about 50 employers in search of opportunities that matched their skills and interests. The event aimed to connect employers with potential hires while creating a space for productive conversation and inquiry.
Compared with submitting a standard résumé online, some attendees felt the fair offered a more revealing experience.
Julie Byrum, HR director for ABC of NC Child Development Center, shared her perspective.
“We live in a world now where everything is digital,” Byrum said. “You can go online and submit your résumé, but to really look someone in the eye, talk to them and get to know what they’re interested in can say a lot more than you can get on paper.”
Ashley Blackwell, assistant principal of Northwest Cabarrus High School, explained why these conversations are valuable not only for employers but also for Guilford students.
“A lot of students come up here who have not thought about being a teacher,” Blackwell said. “Sometimes they don’t realize we are looking for school psychologists, and quite a few students come up looking for psychology or counseling positions. There are a lot of different opportunities under the umbrella of school.”
Many students chose not to attend, largely due to uncertainty or confusion about the event. However, those who did often found more information than they expected, and some were asked for their résumés or contact information. Attendees were able to speak directly with prospective employers and learn about the responsibilities associated with each position.
Regardless of the specific opportunity, Jean Bass, marketing and communications director for ABC of NC Child Development Center, emphasized that eagerness to learn is essential.
“I graduated with my master’s a few years ago,” Bass said. “The best thing I did was just jump right in. Be motivated, be compassionate, show kindness to others and be willing to learn and absorb everything you can.”
In addition to a willingness to learn, social skills were also identified as highly desirable traits. Chris Ashley, regional field director of Down Home North Carolina, said her organization was recruiting canvassers.
“So it’s people who like people,” she said. “People who are willing to go out and have conversations with people who don’t necessarily think the same way, look the same way or come from the same background. How do we connect and bridge those gaps?”
Ashley added that exploring different interests and stepping outside one’s comfort zone can help students find the right career path.
“It kind of opens up this scary question: What happens after I leave college?” Ashley said. “Suddenly you’ve got people willing to have conversations and say, ‘Hey, find out more about us.’ That’s actually a way to get started. It’s comforting, because graduating college and facing the whole world can feel overwhelming. Where do you start?”
Bass said the Career Fair provided an ideal starting point because of its face-to-face format.
“It’s almost like a miniature interview,” Bass said. “It can be scary when you’re a student, but the more you practice and engage, the better you’ll be when you enter the workforce.”
Many Guilford students used the event to step outside their comfort zones and interact directly with employers. Whether interested in psychology, teaching, fieldwork or other paths, students were exposed to numerous possibilities that broadened their perspectives for the future.
