Student workers gain insight, experience

The University of North Georgia (UNG) Career Services office announced several career fairs this spring that will provide opportunities for students and alumni to interact with potential employers. These events offer degree-specific engagement opportunities including full-time positions and internships. Attendees are encouraged to bring several copies of their resumes.

UNG Spring Career Fairs will be held on both the Dahlonega and Gainesville campuses and are designed for UNG students and alumni to interact with employers offering full-time career entry-level positions and internship opportunities. Students can network with employers from a variety of industries and learn more about their hiring needs.

All-Majors Career Fair

• Dahlonega: Convocation Center, Feb. 13, noon to 3 p.m.
• Gainesville: Hugh Mills Physical Education Center, March 5, 3-6 p.m.

Cyber and Computer Science Career Fair

• Dahlonega: Cottrell Ball Room, March 18, 2-5 p.m.

Those interested in attending any of the event should register through Handshake.

Career fair tips, including questions to ask and suggested responses to questions employers may ask, can be found here.

Working behind the scenes for such events and others this year are Faith Vieira and Ryan Kelly.

Vieira, a junior, has worked in the department since her freshman year and shared that the time has been rewarding as she’s "gained valuable knowledge in career readiness and development."

"When I first entered college, I knew I needed a job, so I visited the UNG website and applied for a student position without fully understanding what Career Services was all about. I have stayed because I love working with my co-workers, and I love my job responsibilities."

The Madison County, Georgia, resident said one of the highlights of her position is working with students in Nigel’s Career Closet at the Dahlonega Campus, where students can select professional attire at no cost. There is another Career Closet at the Gainesville Campus.

"I really love getting to interact with and help students," she said.

Her longevity in the job is, in part, due to her co-workers and their encouragement to help her succeed in the future.

"My co-workers have really highlighted the importance of attending career fairs to expand my network and create opportunities for future internships and jobs. Through these events, I’ve developed the key and basic skill of engaging with employers, which has been beneficial," she said. "I'm a business management major so developing these communication skills is important if I want to succeed in my career. Not only have they stressed the importance of attending these fairs and talking to employers, but they have also been able to connect me with employers and people to further my academic and career success."

Kelly is a senior from Oahu, Hawaii. He is pursuing a degree in interdisciplinary studies with concentrations in social sciences and health sciences.

"I know that I want to work in the government field, helping people find their strong suits. As such, working at career services gives me the unique opportunity to help my peers discover their talents and find where they are needed most," Kelly said. "I have had 8 majors in my 4 years here, so getting to work in career services allows me to give guidance to students that I could've used navigating college."