September 30, 2010

Media contact: Patty Wellborn
Office: 604-795-2819
patty.wellborn@ufv.ca

In today’s tough economy, getting a job is a bigger challenge than ever before.

Staff at the University of the Fraser Valley’s Career Centre recognize how hard the job search can be, and each year organize a career fair for students, alumni, and the community. UFV Career Services coordinator So Jeon, who is organizing this year’s event, says the career fair is an excellent opportunity to network with employers and find out what makes a prospective employee stand out from the crowd.

“While it’s not a great economy, people are still hiring, but they are looking for just the right person,” says Jeon. “Some of the job-seeking tips that might have worked in a booming economy just don’t cut it now. There has been a shift in trends and it’s not the same job hunt anymore.”

One important change Jeon stresses, is while it might be hard to get work experience, because employers want people who already have experience, detailing your volunteer hours on a resume is vital. If you’re new to the work force, she suggests finding a volunteer organization where you can help — and log some hours. It won’t be paid experience, but it will still demonstrate experience and your willingness to work.

The theme of this year’s Career Fair is Are You Ready? and Jeon says it’s important for all students to start thinking now about what career they want and what job skills will help get them there.

“We want students to be getting ready for employment, to think about what they are going to do with their degree, and how they are going to put the skills they are learning at UFV to use,” she adds. “It’s really a matter of making sure our students are ready for their chosen careers.”

The Career Centre, located on the Abbotsford campus, provides a number of opportunities and workshops throughout the year to help students plan for their employment. Starting with basic resume and cover letter coaching sessions, the centre also organizes work-study placements and co-op positions, and will work with employers to connect with the right students.

This year’s Career Fair takes place Wednesday, October 6 at the Abbotsford Campus’s Envision Athletic Centre. It runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and admission is free. Jeon notes more than 70 exhibitors will be at the fair and while there are many prospective employers — including municipal, provincial, and federal government organizations, as well as professional firms including lawyers and accounting agencies — she has also lined up a number of graduate schools to attend. Several non-profit groups and local organizations will also be on hand to connect with students.

Leading up to the Career Fair, UFV has organized a fun contest and has created several life-size cardboard cut-outs of people in their work gear. Students are being encouraged to get a photo of themselves with the cut-out. Grand prize is $150 certificate for the UFV Bookstore.

“The Career Fair is always a lot of fun,” Jeon adds. “It is about networking and learning about skills you may need to land that perfect job.”

To find out more about the Career Fair, see the lists of exhibitors, or learn about the contest, please visit www.ufv.ca/Jobs/Career_Fair .