(HARLINGEN) – For the first time Texas State Technical College will be hosting two Industry Job Fairs for TSTC students and alumni – one in the fall and another in the spring.
The first job fair will be held October 26 from 9 a.m. to noon at TSTC’s Cultural Arts Center.
The annual job fair, hosted by TSTC’s Office of Talent Management and Career Services, has been around for at least two decades, but is usually held in the Spring semester.
The goal of each job fair remains the same each year and that is to help students network and learn about potential employers and job opportunities in an informal setting that helps to ease nerves and anxiety.
“We’re excited about being able to offer our students and alumni this additional opportunity to speak with employers and practice their interview skills,” said Viviana Espinoza, TSTC director of Talent management and Career Services.
Espinoza added that she has received a great response from industry as well, with at least 25 employers already booked for the October event.
Companies such as Toyota, Valley Baptist Medical Center, Wylie and Sons, SpawGlass, the Texas Department of Public Safety, Stewart and Stevenson and the United State Department of Agriculture will be on hand to present job opportunities and answer questions.
A common practice during TSTC’s job fairs is for industry representatives to not only speak with attendees, but also interview and hire on the spot.
“In past years we have had success with on-site interviews,” she said. “Many of our attendees have left with job offers, some even before graduating.”
Those attending the job fair are encouraged to come prepared with at least 10 copies of their resume, dressed to impress and ready for an interview.
To help students and alumni prepare for the job fair, TSTC’s Talent Management and Career Services offers year-round assistance with resume building and writing and in-house mock interviews to help students improve interview skills and gain confidence.
Additionally, every semester, the department hosts an Interview Practicum, where soon-to-be TSTC graduates complete mock interviews with local and statewide industry professionals to polish their interview skills.
“Our goal at career services is to place our students and alumni in high-paying jobs in their field of study,” said Espinoza. “It doesn’t matter if you’re a current student or you’ve graduated, our services remain the same and are here to stay.”
Espinoza encourages students and alumni to attend the Industry Job Fair and to take advantage of all the services the department provides locally and statewide.
TSTC’s campuses in Marshall and Waco will also host the same job fair on October 19 and November 2, respectively.
“Overall this is a great event that gives our students and alumni from all over the state the opportunity to find their dream job,” said Espinoza.
For more information on the Industry Job Fair or the services provided by Talent Management and Career Services call 956-364-4131.