Summer job fair for NMU students

Competition for jobs gets harder and harder each year for recent grads. The staff at Northern Michigan University is trying to stay ahead of the game and assist students who are now looking for summer jobs and internships.

Companies participating in today’s Summer Job Fair came from a wide variety of professions. Family Video, Six Flags Great America and even the Department of Homeland Security were recruiting. Students say it’s a great opportunity to gain interviewing experience and educate themselves on what employers are looking for.

“We have close to 70 employers here today, about 20 more than last year,” NMU director of career services Jim Gadzinski said. “We are spreading the word that this is a good place to come and find summer employees, so there are more and more employers that are interested.”

NMU freshman Casey Ford said she was looking for an “internship or a summer job. Primarily I want to stay in the Marquette area, or in the U.P., preferably, and it would be nice to stay close to home.”

The job fair is still growing after 14 years; it now spans two rooms. Employers say finding just the right person includes a solid resume coupled with skills that are unique to each individual.

“The position will be focused on sales, so (we’re looking for) someone who is outgoing and confident,” 41 Lumber human resources manager Carol Quantt said. “(A) construction management background is helpful; we are a building supply company, so that’s helpful to know.”

“What we look for in students is someone who is personable, have a great personality, high work ethic and drive to learn,” Checker Transport manager Nick Mankoci said.

“But sometimes I think you just know, they have that star quality and they just stand out from the others,” Quantt said.

The university’s next scheduled job fair is Wednesday, March 19th.