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The CSC Eagle Newspaper – Chadron, NE
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Career fair attracts students, employers

Guest Author

Eager, job-seeking students pursued regional and local business that filled Chadron State College’s Student Center lobby 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Friday for CSC’s Academic Planning Service’s first fall Career Fair.

Seventeen agencies registered, representing federal, state and local employment opportunities. The fair focused on internships and summer jobs, Deena Kennel, director of internships and career services, said.

“We did it in response to feedback last spring from agencies wanting to do seasonal hiring,” Kennell said. “We are very excited about it.”

The event usually takes place in the Student Center Ballroom. This year, CSC’s Academic Planning Services decided to hold the event in the lobby because it is more conducive to student traffic.

Jordan Nevwirth, left, 20, junior of Gering, reaches for an application Friday from Mathias Wallace, from the U.S. Forest Service of Chadron, during the fall Career Fair. —Photo by Teri Robinson
Jordan Nevwirth, left, 20, junior of Gering, reaches for an application Friday from Mathias Wallace, from the U.S. Forest Service of Chadron, during the fall Career Fair. —Photo by Teri Robinson

The State Treatment and Rehabilitation Academy for juveniles, or STAR Academy, of Custer, South Dakota, offers services to delinquent children placed in custody of the Department of Corrections by the court system, including an accredited middle and high school. STAR Academy regularly attends CSC career fairs. Hallie Mattson, STAR Academy social studies teacher, said CSC’s career fair is the largest they attend. STAR Academy can offer jobs to a variety of students, including those studying criminal justice, phycology, and even education.

Mathias Wallace, Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands employee, said they attended because, “We love to do outreach,” and, “do our best to provide information on upcoming positions we need to fill.”

Western Cooperative Company, or WESTCO, whose home office is in Alliance, is actively seeking agronomy interns. WESTCO human resource manager Dawn Butcher said they currently have a few CSC students, but she hopes the fair will help secure interns before students make other summer plans.

Chadron businesses also offered employment opportunities as well. Jessica Fisher, Chadron Maurice’s manager, said the fair is beneficial for her to meet potential customers and new hires.

“We are currently looking for new associates,” Fisher said. “The company loves to promote from within and it’s a great place for college kids to start.

Yohannes Berehanu, 19, sophomore of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, is pursuing an information technology career.

He attended the career fair to look for internship options, but did not find anything specific. Berehanu suggested event planners offer more career options.

“I came to see if I can’t find career opportunities,” Josh Mayer, 20, sophomore of Lincoln, said.

He was impressed with the diverse range of career options.  Students who did not attend this career fair will have another chance this spring. Academic Planning Services will host another Career Fair Friday, Feb. 13, 2015.