Career expo highlights government agencies

The University of North Georgia's (UNG) Career Services will host a government agencies career expo during which students and alumni can learn about hiring processes and career opportunities.

Slated for Oct. 4, the event will be at the Convocation Center on UNG's Dahlonega Campus from 2-5 p.m.

"An expo is not exclusively a recruitment event, but also an informational event so that students who are interested or think they might be interested in careers in government can attend," Diane Farrell, director of career services, said. "Whereas a fair has more of the implication that the companies will be recruiting and hiring people."  

The expo is a new event, and UNG will also host a wide variety of other career fairs this fall:

• Part-time job fair, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 6, Robinson Ballroom, Student Center, Gainesville Campus
• Nursing career fair, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 14, Dining Hall Banquet Rooms, Dahlonega Campus
• All-majors career fair, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 22, Convocation Center, Dahlonega Campus
• Full-time career fair, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 5, Robinson Ballroom, Student Center, Gainesville Campus
• Criminal justice showcase, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 19, Drill Field, Dahlonega Campus
• Cyber career fair, 3-6:00 p.m., Oct. 27, Cottrell Center, Dahlonega Campus.

This is an opportunity to network, ask about the interview process, meet agency reps, and learn what agencies expect from employees.

Lisa Walker

UNG assistant director of Career Services for employer engagement

The idea for the expo came from UNG'S Mary Enriquez, academic coordinator for the National Service Leadership Track of UNG's Corps of Cadets, and Heath Williams, director of federal liaison and military education coordinator. The pair work with cadets who may commission into the Georgia Army National Guard or choose the leadership track, but either way, they need full-time employment, Farrell said.

"Because of being in the corps, many cadets obtain security clearance, making them good candidates for these opportunities, as well as other government opportunities," Farrell said.

All students of all majors and alumni are encouraged to attend.

"This event is only three hours, so it gives students plenty of time to attend morning classes and still come to the event," Williams said. "It's an opportunity to get these federal and state agencies exposed to UNG and get our students directly exposed to these agencies so they can collect information and determine which agencies would be best for them."

Farrell suggested attendees dress professionally.

"Business casual to professional dress is fine," Farrell said. "Come in what you have, what you can borrow. Bring resumes to show experience, but this won't necessarily be an interview."