Story by Sadie Jones

At 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 20, the Red River Career Expo held their 17th annual job fair in the Cameron Fitness Center. Current CU students, alumni, and members of the community attended the event in search of potential job opportunities.

Career Services Coordinator at Cameron University Paula Merrifield, said each year the job fair proves to be a success.

"Career Services sponsors and coordinates the event every spring semester," Merrifield said. "It's been very successful and each year it seems to get better and better."

Each year the Career Expo has at least 81 job recruiters. Merrifield said they like to prepare their students, specifically seniors, for the career fair.

"We host workshops for our students where we talk about how to dress and build resumes. We even work with them on their handshake," Merrifield said. "It's a great opportunity for our students, even if their not looking for a job right away. It gives them a chance to network - but before companies can be a part of the career fair, we make sure they are recruiting."

Much like job seekers, recruiters such as General Manager of Perry Broadcasting Joy Chapman, also have to prepare and establish a clear idea of what they're looking for before the job fair begins.

"We're looking for DJ's and account executives," Chapman said. "What we're looking for in potential employees is basically a willingness to learn and be open to different possibilities, establish connections with people and expand their interests."

CU Alumni and current job seeker Nicole Bucher, attended the expo prepared and eager to talk business.

"I've applied for jobs all over the place, trying to find something right for me," Bucher said. "Today, I brought a few copies of my resume because you never know who is going to ask for it. I've heard the job fair is like an interview process. You're presenting yourself so you always want to be prepared."

The Red River Career Expo lasted until 4 p.m., and over 1,000 job seekers attended.

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