Where students, interests meet

HAMMOND ­— Lanaya Smith, an alumna from Southeastern Louisiana University with a degree in marketing, was hopeful Thursday after meeting with several companies at SLU’s annual career fair.

“I’m looking for something with more stability — something I can count on and something somewhat in my field,” said Smith, who works two jobs unrelated to her field of study.

“I’m very hopeful that I’ll find something, especially here,” she said.

Representatives from more than 135 companies talked with SLU students and alumni about possible job opportunities with their companies.

Samantha Wagner of Silva, Gurtner and Abney Certified Public Accountants and Consultants said she talked with several interested students and alumni about job opportunities Thursday.

“We’ve had a lot of people come by,” said Wagner, a CPA with the firm.

Career Services Counselor Beverly Sells said the career fair has something for everyone.

“We have private companies, state and federal employees, and nonprofit organizations here today,” Sells said. “We have employers looking at a variety of majors.”

Sells said her department encourages students and alumni looking for a job to get the contact information from the companies they are interested in and follow up with the employers.

Prior to the career fair, the university held etiquette seminars that provided tips on how to interact with employers.

“Dress professionally, make sure you have a ré sumé (one page) and just try to show your personality,” Wagner said. “I think that’s what we’re looking for.”

Wagner also suggests people looking for a job know something about the company they are pursuing.

“Have some questions and have an idea of what you’re looking for,” Wagner said.

Kyle Knapp, a senior who plans to graduate this fall with a degree in psychology, stopped at the Special Olympics of Louisiana booth as he made his way through the career fair.

Knapp said he was interested in becoming a volunteer with the organization.

“I want to get some experience and become well-rounded,” Knapp said.

Knapp said he came to the career fair to “figure out the different avenues I can take to better my college/graduate school experience.

“I just want to open up some doors.”

Knapp also talked with representatives of the Florida Parishes Juvenile Detention Center, an organization, he said, he hadn’t considered until he attended the career fair.

“They are suited for what I want to do,” Knapp said.

Veronica Wynn, of Baker, who plans to graduate in the fall with a degree in health education and promotion, talked with representatives from North Oaks Health System. Wynn said she also talked with representatives from the Tulane National Primate Research Center and LSU School of Health.

She said the career fair is helpful in “bringing a lot of job opportunities here for students who wouldn’t ordinarily get face-to-face with some of the employers.”

“SLU has always had a good career fair with plenty of job opportunities and internships available for the students here,” she said.