Students to Explore, Connect with 130+ Employers at Showcase

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 3, 2015) — University of Kentucky students will have the opportunity to meet with more than 130 employers at the Spring 2015 UK Employer Showcase, sponsored by the James W. Stuckert Career Center.

The showcase will bring employers in both technical and nontechnical professions to the Student Center Ballrooms from noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, Feb. 10-11. 

The first day of the event will showcase employers in technical career fields such as engineering, computer science, construction, information systems/technology and scientific research.

The second day will host employers in nontechnical career fields such as communications, accounting, banking, consulting, health care, government, management, human services, retail and sales, and other fields.

More than 130 employers will participate over this two-day event, including private companies, government agencies and nonprofit groups. Among the registered employers are Enterprise Inc., Belcan, Deloitte, Lexmark, Central Bank, Hewlett Packard, Johnson Controls Interiors, and Auto Owners Insurance.

The Stuckert Career Center also hosts the UK Employer Showcase VIP Program, an interactive program designed to develop career-ready students at UK and offer exclusive exposure to employers. VIP program participants attend a preparation workshop that helps maximize their showcase experience. VIP Program participants can enter the Employer Showcase 30 minutes early to begin connecting with employers.

Students can prepare for the showcase by researching companies of interest by registering through Wildcat CareerLink. This online career management tool allows students to secure company information and sign up for campus interviews. Students should check out the company website, view their job listings and know basic information about what the company does. By having completed their research, students should know exactly what questions to ask of employers while still showing that they are familiar with the company. 

The center suggests students prepare a two to three-minute introduction that states their name, graduation date and major; and career interests. Students shouldn't be afraid to mention honors or special achievements received, such as a high GPA or campus leadership positions.

Students should print résumés on high-quality white or ivory paper. Résumés should include an objective, work or volunteer experience, internships, any relevant upper level courses and special honors. No cover letters are required at a career fair.

Participants in the showcase should carry about 20-30 résumés in a nice portfolio with a nice pen and a pad of paper to take notes. Business attire is appropriate. Students should dress professionally in dark colors such as black, charcoal gray or navy blue. Women can wear either a skirt or pant suit with a solid color conservative shirt, closed toe shoes, hose, and minimal jewelry. No extreme heels, short skirts, low necklines or patterned hosiery. Unnecessary purses, bags or backpacks can be checked in at the coat check.

For men, a suit, a button-down white shirt, tie, sports jacket, slacks, and shined shoes will make the best impression. Do not carry backpacks with you while meeting with employers. Backpacks can be checked in at the coat check.

For more information on the Spring 2015 UK Employer Showcase and the other career-building services offered by the Stuckert Career Center, students can stop by or visit the center's webpage at www.uky.edu/careercenter.

As part of the UK Division of Undergraduate Education, the James W. Stuckert Career Center mission is to prepare students to successfully connect with employers and post graduate educational opportunities. The Stuckert Career Center is here to help students explore their college major options and career goals, engage in the process of expanding their knowledge and experience of the work place, and to connect with those who can help students on their career path. For more information on the Stuckert Career Center and how the staff can provide assistance, visit www.uky.edu/careercenter.

MEDIA CONTACT: Whitney Hale, 859-257-8716; whitney.hale@uky.edu