Posted by Adrian Appleman
To kick off Celebration Weekend, the Career Development Center will hold the fourth annual Career Jam, a networking opportunity for students to learn about how to enter potential fields of interest once they are armed with their Skidmore degree.
Approximately 81 volunteer representatives from various firms and organizations, willing to share their industry insights with interested students, will fill the second floor of the Murray-Aikins Dining Hall on Friday afternoon from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
As a collaboration of the Parents Council, the Alumni Association and the Career Development Center, Career Jam consists of volunteers from local businesses, national brands and organizations, Skidmore Parents and Alumni and current employees. In the works since June, the event incorporates the vast network of the extended College community to provide students with a perspective on the various courses professional lives can take after college.
The increase in volunteers, from approximately 40 last year, comes from an increased focus on local businesses.
"We deliberately increased local representatives for students who are looking to intern while in college," said Deborah Loffredo, director of the Career Development Center.
Although some of the companies represented will be hiring, the event is not considered a hiring event. Career Jam centers on building a foundational professional network for students, and assisting in building effective and useful networking skills that can be utilized for the rest of their careers.
"Career Jam is a networking event," said Loffredo, "not a job fair. There are some who are looking to hire, but most are here to talk about their careers. They provide the opportunity to allow students to ask questions like, 'Do I need a graduate degree to enter your field?' or, 'What's a good entry-level job for me to get my foot in the door?' They are there to offer advice, and so many people want to help."
To help build anticipation for the Jam, events on Thursday begin with the What-Not-To-Wear fashion show on the second floor of the dining hall at 6 p.m., an instructional fashion show on how to properly dress in professional environments. Following the show, there will be an informational meeting with alumna Anne Wargo '89, who will provide tips on how to make the most of what will be many students' first networking experience.
Friday, the Jam will be in full swing, beginning with a presentation on the MB-190 course entitled "A Brand Called Me," which focuses on creating an effective, marketable self-image, in Gannett Auditorium at 1 p.m. The Career Development Center will then offer time slots for resume critiques and conducting mock interviews at the Center from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., on a first-come first-serve basis to those who sign up ahead of time at the Center.
"It's never too early to start looking," said Loffredo. "It's never too early to search for internships. Career Jam it not just for Seniors-it is for everyone!"