(Haris Saaed Khalid / Fourth Estate)

Over 150 employers filled the Johnson Center as students networked and shared their resumes

BY CHRISTABEL BOAKYE YIADOM, STAFF WRITER

George Mason University hosted its annual Career Fair, organized by University Career Services, at the Johnson Center Sept. 29 through Oct. 1. 

In the early mornings of the fair, the usually-quiet first floor of the Johnson Center was bustling with activity. Tables were decked with giveaways, sign-up sheets and cardboard signs representing and introducing the 150-plus companies and organizations present at the fair. 

Students walked around with their resumes in hand, chatting with each attending company and talking to representatives in order to learn more about the  available positions and responsibilities involved. 

The main purpose of the Career Fair is to introduce and connect students to an array of companies ranging from government, economics, law and other professions that want to hire students and alumni for part-time, full-time and internship positions. 

University Career Services also hosted a resume clinic to help students identify weak spots and changes needed on their resumes. They held virtual and on-campus interviews between Mason students and employers in order for employers to informally meet with and talk to students one-on-one.

The Career Fair is an important part of George Mason culture and tradition. It encourages students to pursue their goals and dreams outside of higher education and promotes a stronger academic community by bringing students together.

Since 2018, the Career Fair has had a tradition of granting recognition and giving exclusive opportunities with employers to the ‘first person in line’ at the fair. This fall, Haris Saeed Khalid, a senior graduating in December, was the first in line. 

Khalid said that he was unaware of the “first person in line” tradition. He said the main reason he arrived early to the fair was to mentally prepare himself, something he did by taking a look at a list online of the different companies to see which positions were being offered and which opportunities were relevant to him. 

Admiring the event’s atmosphere, a representative from the National Nuclear Security Administration said the Career Fair was “unique” and “very organized.” 

When asked what he, as an employer, was looking for in students, he said potential employees should be “motivated individuals, mission-focused individuals and folks that are willing to work hard on whatever comes at them, but also folks that are very detail-oriented.”

Events like this contribute to Mason’s career culture and student success through engagement and connection. They help students fulfill dreams and complete goals during their time at the university. Also, through the fair, students foster community and professional growth on campus.

Khalid advised students attending the next career fair in the spring semester to “Look to relate to [employers] and find…alongside skills that they’re looking for, the kind of personality they want.” 

In addition, the representative from the National Nuclear Security Administration said, “Don’t be nervous. Be yourself.”