Castleton State College hosted its 12th annual career fair on April 11, giving students the opportunity to meet with over 80 different organizations and graduate schools. Students could also obtain information from C.S.C. clubs and got a chance to hear the college’s acapella group, Vocal Unrest.

“The event was a huge success. The recruiters were very impressed with the caliber of students that attended. The only thing that was lacking was the amount of students that came with prepared resumes,” said Chrispin White, director of community service and internships.

To get feedback on the event, students who attended had the option of leaving comments for the career fair staff in exchange for a chance to win $100.

“I really enjoyed the incredible diversity of the businesses and colleges that are here. There seems to be options for everyone, no matter what their interests or major,” said (CSC) freshman Brianna Beldon on a comment card she submitted.

Businesses included several hospitals, police agencies, an Avon sales booth and the Social Security Association among countless others. Some companies, like Seton Health Care of Troy, N.Y., boasted 95 openings.

“Most of our openings are for medical staffing such as nurses and radiologists, but we’re hiring in all majors,” said Mary Beth Engelbride, a spokesperson for Seton Health Care. “We also have tuition reimbursement programs and student-loan forgiveness in some cases.”

Another company interested in working with college students is 102.7 WEQX, an alternative radio station based out of Manchester.

“I’m willing to teach people about radio whether it’s through an internship or if someone wants to come down to the station and record a demo,” said EQX representative Doug Daniels.

And for students not wanting to go right to work after college, there were plenty of graduate schools on hand. Officials from Goddard College, located in Plainfield, Vt., emphasized its uniqueness and their writing program.

“We have the best creative writing program in the country. We have students that come as far away as Alaska and Europe,” said Goddard College representative David De Lucca.

An official from Mcneil and Reedy, a men’s clothing store specializing in business attire, said he always enjoys the career.

“Every year that I come to Castleton, students are extremely friendly and talkative. Most guys in college aren’t too concerned with having the right clothes for an interview until it’s the night before and we just want to let everyone know that we are here and can help them,” said Jim McNeil.

Many students, on comment cards they were asked to fill out, praised the fair – and some even said they might switch majors as a result of it.

“I got to speak to people about actual jobs I could get when I graduate. I have never been able to do that before,” said senior Elena Wesley on her comment card.

But not all students agreed that the career fair was a success.

“I wish there were more tables geared towards (mass media) communications. I also felt that people were apathetic towards the end,” said senior Amanda Begins.

Senior Ashley Ross was also disappointed.

“I wasn’t really (impressed) because there wasn’t much of anything that sparked my interest. Also, there always seems to be more grad schools, which is good for those who want that, but it sucks for those of us who aren’t and are trying to find jobs post graduation,” she said.

Junior Laura Daubenspeck had mixed feelings about the fair.

“I thought the career fair was excellent. I would love to see more exhibitors next year. However, I felt that I had a hard time finding exhibits that I could be interested in because I am double-majoring in Spanish and Spanish for Business. I also felt that Judith (Carruthers) and Chrispin did a great job of promoting the fair,” she said.

“Overall the career fair was a success,” said Carruthers, director of career development at Castleton. “If anyone had problems finding a table that related to their major and left disappointed or confused they should have come to either Chrispin or myself and we would have pointed them in the right direction. There was at least one table there for everyone.”

Carruthers also said that the time of year affects what kinds of organizations and businesses attend the career fair.

“In the spring you’re not going to see any kind of accounting firms at any career fair because its tax season. It doesn’t mean that the companies that did attend weren’t looking for people in accounting or finance. Tropical Aquaculture Products, Inc is one company that I know of that was looking for an accounting major,” Carruthers said.

White agreed with Carruthers.

“A lot of students look at a name and say ‘oh that’s not for me’ and walk away not realizing they are hiring all majors. We send out over 400 invitations and try to get as many opportunities for students as possible. Some companies (such as mass media outlets) are either too far away and choose not to come because they don’t feel it is worth the drive, or they cannot make it because of the date,” he said.

Students who were disappointed and didn’t find what there were looking for at the fair should stop by White’s office, he said.

“We can help a student work outside the career fair if there is nothing there that interests them. This (career fair) isn’t supposed to be an end all so I encourage any student that is interested in a particular field and needs help making contacts to stop by,” White said.