With the spring semester underway, Houghton College’s Vocational Opportunities and Career Advising (VOCA) center will host the Spring Career Fair on Wednesday, February 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“Now is the time for seniors to begin thinking about their plans for after graduation and for underclassmen to think about their plans for the summer,” VOCA director Kim Pool said.
According to Pool, there are three general guidelines for students beginning the job search. First, a significant factor for a potential employee is an online presence. Pool stated, “VOCA can help you set up your LinkedIn profile and make sure you have a professional online presence.” Aside from this service, VOCA offers resumé critiques and workshops, as well as assistance connecting current Houghton undergraduates with alumni. The VOCA center will even help prepare students for job interviews, according to Pool.
While these services are offered throughout the academic year, the Spring Career Fair will likely be the best opportunity for students to connect with potential summer or full time employers. Over 40 employers will be present at the Career Fair. “Twenty-five of the business or entities will be camps seeking college students for summer positions,” Pool said. “16 are non-camps with both internship and full-time positions”.
Students are also invited to visit the LinkedIn photo booth, which will be in the same area as the Career Fair. Students can have a professional headshot taken for their LinkedIn profile on Wednesday from 12-2 p.m. The Spring Career Fair will be held in the Van Dyk Lounge in the Campus Center.