NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University’s Career Center connected students with employers seeking part-time workers during the Part-Time Job Fair Tuesday, Sept. 15, in the Student Union Ballroom.
Open to students in all majors, the fair gave students an opportunity to meet employers from a variety of industries, learn about available positions and make professional connections while exploring employment that can fit alongside their class schedules.
Employers participating in the fair included BOM Bank, Flying Heart Brewing & Pub, Nova Vital Recovery, Raising Cane’s and Timber Ridge Adventure Park, among others.
Natalie Mangandi, job location and development officer in the Career Center, said the fair helps connect students with employment opportunities while introducing them to employers in the community.
“The purpose of the Part-Time Job Fair is for students to find jobs or internships,” Mangandi said. “Students can expect to find all kinds of employers from the community wanting to help NSU students find their career path.”
Mangandi said students do not need previous work experience to benefit from meeting employers and beginning to build professional connections.
“If you have no experience at all, that is completely okay. Everybody has to start somewhere,” Mangandi said. “You’re allowed to meet new people, make those connections. It’s all about networking and putting your name out there and showing what you can offer.”
The fair also gave employers an opportunity to meet NSU students directly and discuss their organizations and available positions.
BOM Bank was among the employers participating in the event. Alyssa Austin, a human resources generalist at BOM Bank and NSU alumna, said part-time employment can help students develop skills that will carry into their careers.
“I think that working a part-time job while you are in college helps prepare you for what life after college looks like. It helps you practice that work-life balance along with professionalism and communication skills. It also shows potential future employers that you have that experience and that promise of commitment in your previous job experience,” Austin said.
Austin said participating in the fair also gives her an opportunity to connect with current students.
“As an NSU alumna, I love getting the opportunity to talk with and network with current NSU students and allowing them to have the opportunity to work for BOM Bank is just icing on the cake,” Austin said.
In addition to connecting students with employment opportunities, the Career Center works with students throughout their time at NSU to prepare for internships, employment and other professional opportunities.
Students can use Handshake to search for jobs and internships, connect with employers, register for career fairs and schedule appointments with the Career Center. For more information, visit www.nsula.edu/student-resources/career-center/.