"Maybe if our teachers had told us about it in class, more people would know about it."

- Desirae Hunsley,
ISU junior nursing major

BY BRIANA MADDEN | bmadden@ilstu.edu | Posted: Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Nursing and health fair matches students and employers
A student fairgoer collects information from the Student Counseling Services booth at the Wellness and Sustainability Fair Wednesday, Nov. 14 in the Brown Ballroom. (Photo by Colleen Casey / Staff Photographer)

NORMAL - Career fairs such as Nursing and Health Professions Fair held Tues, Oct. 30 in the Brown Ballroom, give students an opportunity to learn more about their future career field as well as to market themselves to potential employers. With the job market as diminished as it currently is, many graduating students are concerned about finding a job post-graduation.

Nicole Tinsley, a senior nursing major at ISU, said she hoped to gain useful critiques of her resume as well as job offers by attending the fair. She thought the fair was well-organized as well as good opportunity for students like herself to further their career contacts.

The fair was host to 23 companies looking for potential new hires. Students looking to enter the nursing or health professions fields were invited to speak with representatives from these companies to gain information about them as well as market themselves for a future position. Students were also able to drop off resumes for review.

Desirae Hunsley, a junior nursing major at ISU, said she is planning on becoming a nurse. She hoped to gain a better idea of the job options available to her as well as internships. She thought the event was well put together but thought it could have been publicized more.

“Maybe if our teachers had told us about it in class, more people would know about it,” she said.

Recruiters from hospitals, social service agencies and other companies were present, seeking out candidates for full-time positions or internships.

The College Network was among these companies and works to recruit students who wish to obtain a Bachelors or Masters degree in nursing through an online program. The spread of employers also included Advocate Bromenn Medical Center, Planned Parenthood, The United States Air Force and the National University of Health Services