(HARLINGEN) – Jose Luis Barajas got up from his interview chair excited and nervous, yet confident about how well it all went during his on-site interview at Texas State Technical College’s Industry Job Fair.
The Biomedical Equipment Technology student will graduate with his associate degree in December and had the opportunity to interview with Baylor White and Scott Health, the largest not-for-profit health care system in Texas and the largest in the United States, for a Biomedical Technician position he has his eye on.
“The job fair has been a great opportunity for me and many others to visit and interview with recruiters we may never get to speak with otherwise,” said Barajas. “I’m really interested in Baylor White and Scott and I was told I would be recommended for the job, so I’m keeping my fingers crossed.”
Barajas was one of more than 400 TSTC students and alumni who attended the job fair hosted by TSTC’s Talent Management and Career Services department.
TSTC Director of Talent Management and Career Services Viviana Espinosa said the main goal of the event 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 want our students and graduates to build their confidence when speaking with employers,” said Espinosa. “Ultimately, the more confidence they gain the better they’ll do in interviews and the sooner they’ll start their careers.”
Espinosa added that there were several job offers made at the event with many employers staying after to tour the programs and continue speaking with students.
At least 40 employers such as Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas, Cleaver-Brooks Sales and Service, Koenig and Bauer, Air Force Civilian Service, Texas Instruments, SpawGlass and Valley Baptist Medical Center were on hand to speak with students and alumni about job opportunities, accept resumes and conduct on-site interviews.
Christian Robertson, a human resource partner with Plastipak Packaging Inc., a global producer of plastic containers, said although the goal of the event is to help students, it also helps him tremendously as an employer.
“It’s difficult finding skilled employees and here at TSTC I know I’ll find highly-qualified students or graduates to hire,” said Robertson. “They have the desirable skill set we need for our company and we’re ready to hire.”
Espinosa said overall, the job fair was a success with a lot of positive feedback from students and employers alike.
“Employers were very impressed with our students,” she said. “Many will even be returning for our spring job fair, other recruitment events and program tours. This is exciting for us and for our students.”
TSTC will host its second Industry Job Fair on April 5 next year.
For more information on student, alumni and industry services offered by TSTC’s Talent Management and Career Services, call 956-364-4940.