James Madison College holds career fair

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Before Laura Casey graduated from MSU in 1993, the James Madison College alumna and OnStar satellite radio services manager said she had a “major of the week” during her sophomore year.

“I would pull out the big course book and every week I’d write out a new career and post it on the wall,” she said.

About 30 James Madison College alumni from across the Midwest, including Casey, attended the college’s seventh annual Alumni/Student Career Day on Saturday, said Jaimie Hutchison, a field career consultant for the college.

Hutchison said she hoped the 200 registered students would take away networking with alumni for the future.

“We are hoping to give students some insight about where their Madison degree can take them,” Hutchison said. “It’s all about career exposure.”

The event featured a presentation about the social networking Web site LinkedIn.com and six alumni panels, which represented topics from public affairs to nonprofits.

“Some alums are looking for interns or looking for students they might potentially want to hire at some point,” Hutchison said.

International relations and Arabic junior Eric Branoff attended the event last year and said it was a great opportunity to meet with former students to get a feel for a wide variety of careers. Branoff also attended this year’s event.

“So about 15, 20 years ago, they were in our position looking for a job, not really knowing how to get in,” Branoff said. “Seeing how alums are willing to give back — they are a reference that are there for you.”

Unlike upperclassmen, freshmen not only have time to discover what they would like to go into, but how to network and take that “next step,” Hutchison said.

“It’s not necessarily the name on your degree, but what experiences and skills you gain can take you into whatever you like,” she said.

James Madison College freshman Angelina Mosher said that unlike high school career fairs, where you have “the doctor” and “the lawyer,” alumni have the potential to solidify career goals.

“I’m a little more indecisive and I’m not exactly sure what I want to do,” Mosher said. “This career fair is even more critical for me.”

Casey said events such as the James Madison College career day are key to getting ahead in a struggling economy.

“It’s just the old adage — it’s not what you know, but who you know,” Casey said. “Networking is absolutely critical, especially today.”

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