By Becca Robb | Echo
Tuesday, Oct. 20 may be a busy day for enterprising students.
The Calling and Career Office is hosting an internship fair from 12-4 p.m. Later that evening, the Grant County Economic Growth Council is hosting CONNECT 2015, a career seminar, at The Bridge from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Cathy Weatherspoon, director of internships and employer relations, said the internship fair is intended to provide a central location for students to find internships. This year, the fair is bringing in 40 organizations to meet with students.
"In the past, Taylor students have had great experiences in their internships," Weatherspoon said. "(Organizations) constantly tell me that they want more Taylor students, because they are well prepared, efficient and professional."
To make the best use of students' time, Weatherspoon suggested that students come with a plan. She said students should research the organizations ahead of time and make a list of the groups they want to visit.
Each student is expected to dress professionally and may want to bring several copies of his or her resume to leave with potential employers.
"In addition, (students) may want to develop and practice an elevator pitch," Weatherspoon said. "Be prepared; you may be interviewed on the spot and land an internship before the event is over."
After the fair, students will have a couple hours to relax before the CONNECT seminar.
"CONNECT will be pretty laid back," Charity Bailey, Grant County Economic Growth Council director of business development and operations, said. "It's meant to share people's stories of their adult career-path."
This year's speakers are Catherine Kerton-Johnson, owner of The Bridge, and Danielle McDowell, executive director of The Speak Easy in Indianapolis. Bailey expects them to share about their entrepreneurial journeys, then moderators and attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions.
Grant County has hosted its annual CONNECT seminar for young adults since 2006. This year, it is specifically inviting Taylor students and local community members to join the conversation about career planning.
"We always bring in really good speakers who are just very transparent about their careers and their path," Bailey said. "Life might not be exactly what you picture, but just enjoy it."
Attendees are not required to sign up for the Internship Fair, but CONNECT is limited to 60 reserved spots. The CONNECT deadline is Oct. 16 and tickets are free on squadup.com.
