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The University of North Carolina at Asheville’s Career Center hosted a Career and Internship Fair on Thursday, Sept. 26, in the Blue Ridge Room as part of the Rebuilding Day of the Post Hurricane Helene Symposium on campus.
The fair hosted over 50 organizations in the Asheville community, each offering their own diverse opportunities to students.
Lisa Mann, director of UNC Asheville’s Career Center, said this year’s turnout was great on both the employer and student fronts. She mentioned the importance of students meeting with employers face to face especially with the rise of AI.
“AI is increasing the number of applications that businesses are getting and it makes it harder when you’re trying to stand out among hundreds of people online for a position,” said Mann. “The career fair gets you in front of a real human, and you get to talk to them.”
As part of the Post Helene Symposium, the Career Center offered a reduced rate to participate in the fair for employers in the area affected by Helene. Mann said that this allowed for more nonprofit organizations and small businesses to make themselves present on campus.
“We’re really well connected in Asheville. Most of our students want to stay here,” Mann said. “We make it a point to develop relationships with businesses, nonprofits and government organizations here in the region so that we can best support our students with connections.”
Many of the organizations use the career fair to spread awareness of their existence, and to inform college students how there are a variety of positions for varying career fields.
Employers such as Sherwin Williams, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI) and the Country Club of Asheville were present to show what their companies can do for students, along with many other businesses
“I think it’s important for us to get ourselves out there because a lot of people have never heard of the NCSBI,” said Isabelle Denman, special agent for the NCSBI. “We’re always looking to onboard people that are goal oriented and coming to colleges like UNCA is a great place for that.”
“I hope they walk away with some of our information. If nothing else, I just want them to remember the name,” said Allison Hopkins, sales associate at Sherwin Williams. “Maybe we’re not the right opportunity for students right now, but when the time comes that they’re looking for a job they remember the name and come talk to us.”
David Bahena, a student at UNC Asheville, said that students are looking for job opportunities after graduation and career fairs are a great place to start.
“There’s people that want to get into their fields early, people trying to look for internships and jobs,” said Bahena. “A lot of times, that stuff can be scary for students. It’s cool to see there’s a lot of options out there.”
Bahena said after the fair he felt encouraged, building relationships with employers through handshakes and conversations.
“I hope students walk away with a sense of confidence that there’s something out there for them,” Mann said. “A connection, a real human who’s going to look out for them when they apply for jobs. All students are welcomed and supported by the Career Center.”
