Nearly 170 companies represented at annual event
Hundreds of students and alumni made their way to the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center in their best business fashion, eager to talk to major companies offering jobs and internships at the USC Career Center's Career Fest and the Science, Engineering and Technology Career Fair Wednesday afternoon.
The opportunities that the companies offered ranged from developmental workshops to internships and full–time positions. Some students came prepared with a list of companies they researched and planned to speak with, and a few companies even gave interviews on the spot.
Career Fest gave more than 1,300 students and alumni the chance to seek information in the field that they are interested in and opportunities to advance their skills. It also provided them personal contact with major companies.
The fair was packed with companies ready to hire, from retail giant Target to online innovator Google. Tables were placed closely together to accommodate the nearly 170 groups looking to recruit USC students and alumni.
USC alumnus Michael Myers got a full-time job at Santee Cooper after attending the Career Fest two years ago.
"I gave a copy of my resume to Santee Cooper and kept in touch. When it was time for me to graduate, I signed up for an interview and got the job," Myers said. "[The Career Fest] is a good place for current students and alumni to network."
The Career Fest saw large numbers of both current students and USC alumni in attendance. Many company representatives were excited at the prospect of hiring recent and future USC graduates.
"There is a good group of students coming out of USC," said J.M. Johnson of Senior Select Insurance Group.