Students to Explore, Connect with 130+ Employers at Showcase

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 15, 2014) – University of Kentucky students will have the opportunity to meet with more than 130 employers at the Fall 2014 UK Employer Showcase, sponsored by the UK James W. Stuckert Career Center.

The showcase will bring employers in both technical and non-technical professions to the Student Center Ballrooms from noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 23, and Wednesday, Sept. 24. 

“I felt the showcase was an amazing success. Immediately I received multiple interviews," said chemical engineering major Josh Ayers.

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 non-technical 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, Amazon, Lexmark, AK Steel, Big Ass Fans, Johnson & Johnson and Auto Owners Insurance.

The College of Engineering’s Career Development Office and Gatton College of Business and Economics' Graham Office of Career Management also offers 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's 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.

Participants in the showcase should carry about 20-30 resumés 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 and minimal jewelry. No extreme heels, short skirts or low necklines. For men, a suit, a button-down white shirt, tie, sports jacket, slacks and shined shoes will make the best impression.

For more information on the Fall 2014 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