December 29, 2009

 

Contacts:

Patricia Reuss, Career Services, 657-2168
Dan Carter, University Relations, 657-2269

 

Businesses and non-profit entities encouraged to register by Jan. 5

 

MSU BILLINGS NEWS SERVICES — Billings-area businesses and non-profit entities can make connections with hundreds of college students and bring new exposure to their organizations at a special event at Montana State University Billings in February.

 

Businesses, non-profits and government agencies can meet more than 600 students from two colleges who are exploring career options at the 13th annual Career Fitness Fair on Thursday, Feb. 11, 2010. The event will be held at the noon-3 p.m. in the Student Union Building on the MSU Billings main campus, 1500 University Drive. The event is co-hosted with Rocky Mountain College and is free and open to the public.

 

Career Fair 2009Registration for businesses and non-profits remains open until Jan. 5.

 

Students from both MSU Billings and RMC will be attending to explore careers in fields such as allied health professions, arts and sciences, business and technology. Local employers can talk with students about internships in their major field, professional jobs after graduation, skills and abilities that make them competitive candidates and networking strategies.

 

Patricia Reuss, director of Career Services at MSU Billings, said this event represents a chance for businesses and agencies to connect with future employees and customers. Even if economic conditions prevent hiring at this time, she said, the networking connections are important.

 

“This is not a job fair,” Reuss said. “It’s an opportunity to educate students about who employers are, the opportunities they will offer in the future, and possible internships for current students. It’s also a chance for employers to build connections that will be valuable after students graduate.”

 

As more Baby Boomers enter retirement, making those connections with potential new employees is critical, she added. Non-profit and government agencies should ask about the 2010 “Recession Special” discount.

 

PHOTO ABOVE: A local employer talks with students at the 2009 Career Fitness Fair at MSU Billings. Area businesses and non-profit entities can register for the 2010 Career Fitness Fair through Jan. 5. The 13th annual career exploration event is scheduled for Feb. 11, 2010.