NORFOLK, Neb. – Students and employers had an opportunity to exchange information during a recent career fair that helps Northeast Community College graduates find jobs and employers recruit workers.
Terri Heggemeyer, Northeast director of career services, said a record 107 employers with a total of 210 company representatives attended the event at the Cox Activities Center on Tuesday, March 12.
The attendance total, including students and staff, was 340.
“This is the largest ever we had at Northeast,” Heggemeyer said. “When I came (13 years ago), I believe they were capping it at around 68 employers. I had some of the drafting students draw out how it might look different, and then we were able to fit 90 companies in here.”
Since then, it has been expanded again to enable it to grow to this year’s 107-employer total.
A variety of employers attended, representing Agriculture, Skilled Trades, Criminal Justice, Manufacturing and more. The jobs are located locally, regionally and nationally. The Spring Career Fair is one of several recruiting events that Northeast hosts for students and graduates.
“Even though the event is over, employers can still connect with Career Services to post jobs,” Heggemeyer said.
Employers were able to meet with the future graduates and set up interviews. Northeast made an interview room available that day for any employers seeking a little more privacy to discuss jobs in detail.
While it is called a career fair, the event was open to first-year students as well. That enables students to visit employers to inquire about such things as job shadows or internships. Sometimes that can help students who are undecided about their majors or if they are considering changing majors.
Bob Lowe, who is the deputy chief probation officer for District 7 of the State of Nebraska, said the Spring Career Fair was the first at Northeast for his office.
“The Supreme Court is actively recruiting now statewide at career fairs,” Lowe said. “This is just an extension of that.”
Richard Dugan is a recruiter who also is looking for employees. He represents KanEquip Inc., a farm implement dealer with 15 locations. KanEquip Inc. handles Case IH and New Holland.
Dugan said he has found two employees from Northeast in the past and was hoping to have luck again on March 12. Both employees worked out well, although one of them ended up leaving his job as a mechanic to go back to the family farm.
That’s the pathway that some graduates take -- learn a skill like repairing engines, gain experience and then go the farm after a couple of years, he said.
Events like the Spring Career Fair help Northeast graduates find jobs by placing them in contact directly with employers who need workers. It also helps students gain experience talking to employers.
Heggemeyer had a student tell her afterward that he learned a lot about employment opportunities after visiting with the employers.
Graduate success and the graduates’ contributions to the workforce are paramount priorities for Northeast. By providing accessible and affordable education along with programs that align closely with the needs of the local job market, graduates are equipped with skills sought by employers or to pursue further education.
Northeast graduates are valuable assets to the region, not only filling crucial roles in various industries but also driving local economic growth and innovation. The 2022-2023 graduating class has achieved an outstanding 99% success rate, a testament to their dedication and hard work in pursuit of their professional goals.
This accomplishment reflects the exceptional support and teaching provided by Northeast’s dedicated faculty and staff, who inspire students to learn, explore and grow. This collaborative effort ensures that graduates depart with a strong foundation to make a lasting impact in their lives and communities.
Career Fair Spring cutline
Drafting students who are under the instruction of Michael Holcomb and Eric Ternus were among the students who attended the Spring Career Fair on Tuesday, March 12. (Northeast Community College)
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