KOKOMO, Ind. — With the finish line to her college degree in sight, Sarah Coffman now has her eyes on landing her first job in her career field.
By attending last week’s annual Kokomo Area Spring Job Fair, the Indiana University Kokomo senior was well on her way to her dream job in human resources.
“It was a successful day,” said Coffman, from Greentown. “I have an interview with one company tomorrow, and I have a couple of job leads in a few other places.”
She was among more than 100 Indiana University Kokomo students who polished up their résumés, donned their best professional clothing, and came to connect with nearly 150 employers at the job fair.
IU Kokomo and Ivy Tech Community College co-sponsored the fair, at the Kokomo Event and Conference Center. Nearly 500 job seekers, including alumni and community members, participated.
Tracy Springer, director of the campus Career and Accessibility Center, said there were jobs available in just about any career field.
“Our goal is to provide students, alumni, and community members an opportunity to network with the employers from this area, surrounding areas, and around the state,” she said. “It benefits students of all ages, from freshmen making first connections with future employers, and getting ideas of what kinds of jobs are out there, to juniors who need internships, and seniors preparing to graduate and land that first job.”
She noted that one community member who attended walked out with a job that started this week, within the first 15 minutes after the event started.
“Those are the moments we love, when people make those connections that lead them to jobs,” Springer said. “She said she was so happy, she was about to cry.”
Finance major Mike Francois attended the job fair looking for an internship with a bank — and came out with interviews for jobs with two banks.
“A job is even better than an internship,” the Peru resident said. “A part-time job gives me a chance to work while I am in school, and when I graduate, I can move up the chain in the bank. They said there is room for growth.”
He prepared for the day by using the free services offered by the career center, including résumé critiques and practice interviews.
“It really did prepare me,” he said. “I was excited to come here today, and I was ready to go. The practice was definitely beneficial.”
Macie Thomas, who is studying hospitality and tourism, found exactly what she was looking for at the job fair.
“My goal for the day was to get a seasonal job in the sports marketing field,” said Thomas, from Galveston. “I work in event planning, but I want to learn the sports side too. This will be a great opportunity.”
Exercise science students Cristhian Perez, Rayme Ehle, Samantha Miller, and Eric Allen attended to investigate future job opportunities when they graduate in a few years.
Perez, from Frankfort, met hospital representatives who can help him complete field experience hours he needs to graduate, while Miller, Kokomo, talked to admissions counselors for graduate programs that interest her.
Courtney Morgan’s communication arts major requires at least one internship — and she found three possibilities. She’s a sophomore, and already participates in career services preparation. Attending the job fair is good for all students, she said.
“There are different employers for all different majors,” the Kokomo resident said. “There are so many opportunities, it’s truly beneficial.”
Indiana University Kokomo serves north central Indiana.