The fall 2023 part-time job fair occurred on Oct. 4 in the Student Experience Center Plaza, offering students interested in part-time employment or internship opportunities to connect with local employers. 

This marked the third consecutive year of this event on the Oregon State University’s campus, providing students with insights into the job market post-graduation. With numerous local employers occupying booths, a plethora of work opportunities across different fields was available. 

Engaging in part-time work and seasonal internships helps students gain valuable experiences to inform future career decisions and industry choices.

The event was sponsored by the Career Development Center at OSU during the first week of fall term, this event enabled students to plan for upcoming spring and summer jobs and internships. 

The CDC serves as a vital resource on campus for professional development, offering services such as resume, curriculum  vitae and cover letter assistance, as well as networking guidance to secure interviews and job opportunities.

The center maintains an up-to-date website featuring various career fairs, connection events and networking opportunities throughout the term. This allows students to explore available resources for their professional development journey and job search. 

Additionally, the website offers virtual appointment booking options for off-campus or flexible service needs. 

Alumni can also access these services for up to a year after graduation, with all appointment bookings handled through Handshake.

The SEC plaza buzzed with activity during the part-time job and internship fair. Valerie Ferguson, event coordinator at the CDC oversaw students wanting to participate in the fair from a check-in table covered in brochures and flyers listing participating employers. 

Twenty-two slots were available for employer sign-ups, with half allocated to community-based employers and the other half to OSU employers.

Ferguson emphasized the importance of local employers participating in the event, as it ensures accessibility to students, particularly those reliant on public transit without personal transportation options.

Regarding future event formats, Ferguson clarified that there would be no hybrid or virtual options due to low attendance in the past. The fair’s intention is to facilitate in-person interactions between students and potential employers in a casual setting conducive to asking questions.

The fair featured diverse local employers across various sectors, including nonprofits like BlueSun Inc. and the Boys and Girls Club of Corvallis, as well as government organizations like the City of Corvallis Parks and Recreation and entities in retail, natural resources, healthcare and education. 

A brief description of the skills sought in potential employees by these employers is available on the Handshake webpage.

Some students appreciated the low-stakes and casual atmosphere of the event, particularly since it focused on part-time work and internships. Carter Trinidad, a senior majoring in women, gender and sexuality studies, remarked positively on the experience.

Victoria Escobedo, a first-year master’s student in public health, noted her preference for local employers due to her reliance on public transit and the challenges she faced in job searches without personal transportation. 

“I love that all the employers are local,” Escobedo said. “I use public transit because I don’t drive. I lost out on a job because of that.”

Events like these can help bridge students with opportunities waiting for them in the community, and even if staying in Corvallis isn’t the goal, the experience will still follow regardless of where they end up. 

Gaining job experience in college is a valuable lesson that allows students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings, opening doors to their desired careers. 

The continued growth of the part-time career and internship fair aims to expand accessibility to more employers across the state in various career fields, providing more students with the chance to gain real-world experience.

To contact the CDC, visit their website. Booking services are available through Handshake. The center is located inside the Kerr Building and operates Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.