Fair offers student employment positions

Students filled the University Center Ballroom Feb. 10 for the UW-River Falls’ Fair for On-Campus Jobs where employers spoke about positions.

Students who attended the meeting had the opportunity to meet with 20 different employers, ranging from campus media to athletic groups.

The goal of the fair was to allow students the opportunity to meet with on-campus employers and to discuss what jobs are available and how a student could apply for one.

According to the career services Web site, the job fair is an “Opportunity for students to meet on-campus employers and receive assistance preparing any career-related materials.”

The Web site also stated that most of the positions that were being offered are for the following academic year.

UWRF students came to the job fair hoping to find a job with one of the campus employers.

“I need a job,” freshman Trevor Frank said.

While many students say that they need a job, there is one category of students that many jobs on campus cater to.

“I get work study,” said freshman Laura Bohn. Many of the jobs on campus are for students who qualify for work study.

According to the Enrollment Services Web site, work study is determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.

“If you have submitted a FAFSA and ‘Federal Work Study”’is listed on your award letter, you have the opportunity to apply for work study employment and earn up to the amount of work study awarded,” the Web site said.

Both Bohn and Frank said that if they had a choice, they would want to work at the UC or the weight room.

McKenna Pfeiffer, who organized the career fair, said that she was happy with the way the career fair went this year.

“Career Services was very pleased with the turnout at the Fair for On-Campus Jobs,” she said. “We went from 10 [organization booths] last year to 20 this year.”

Pfeiffer also said that she noticed the fair increased the participation by students as well as the number of applications submitted.

“This event allows the departments to expand their recruitment efforts and reach students that may not otherwise have an opportunity to connect with,” she said. “The students were very excited about the opportunities available and seemed motivated to participate in the application process for a number of positions.”

The fair not only allows students to explore and apply for positions, but also to talk to organizations on campus as well.

“This is a great way for [students] to learn about all the positions available as well as network with representatives from those departments,” Pfeiffer said.

A total of 248 students attended the fair, she said, while 1,263 students are emplyed on campus.