Students were given an opportunity to explore their post-graduation options at last week’s career fair. The fair was held in UW-Platteville’s Ullsvik Center and hosted by potential employers of students graduating from the colleges of Business, Industry, Life Science and Agriculture or Liberal Arts and Education on Sept. 22 and prospective employers for College of Engineering, Mathematics and Science students on Sept. 23.

Photograph by Jodi Krautkramer
Senior industrial engineering major Kevin Coenen visited the career fair on Wednesday where students from the College of Engineering, Mathematics and Science could explore career opportunities.

The career fair gave student attendees an opportunity to see what careers are available to them once they graduate, as well as what internships may be available to them now. Many employers find the event mutually beneficial, recruiting talent from UW-P.

“I would say that almost 50 percent of our recruits come from Platteville,” said Nick Schneider, a UW-P alumnus who represents IIW Engineers & Surveyors, P.C. at the fair. “The fair is a good event for students here.”

“When it comes to looking for future employees, I look for someone who has confidence and has a good first impression,” Rachel Check, a representative from WPS Health Insurance, said. “I think there was a good turn out today.”

When it came to the students’ impression of the fair, there were some who liked the experience and others who were nervous.

“I’ve been to the fair a couple times already,” Eric Moe, a senior manufacturing technology management major, said. “I’ve learned that students should start their resumes and portfolios early, that way it’s easier to make changes if you need them. The Career Center can also help you out a lot.”

“Some students seemed stressed out and nervous,” Shanna Nichols, a graduate assistant for Continuing Education, said. “I’ve only been here for two hours, but I think the Career Fair has gone pretty well so far.”