Opportunities were in abundance on March 29 at Champlain College's 2010 Spring Job Fair in the college's packed gymnasium where students and community members talked with more than 80 employers about job prospects.

This year approximately 750 people attended the fair making it the largest job fair in Vermont. It also marked a new partnership with the Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Vermont Human Resource Association and the Vermont Department of Labor to provide the community with numerous job prospects, according to Dolly Shaw, director of the College's Career Services office. "The collaboration strived to offer a forum where employers could interact with college students, alumni, and individuals from the general public who are seeking full-time, part-time and internship opportunities," she said.

According to Shaw, employers seeking individuals for full, part time and internship positions were impressed by the presentation of the candidates and their job skills. The employee evaluations praised the college's well-organized staff and successful turn out. One woman even drove all the way from Albany, NY to attend the event, Shaw noted.

Job placement is one of Champlain College's top priorities, the results of the college's efforts can been seen in the high percentage of job placement for graduates. At Champlain College students learn practical real world skills through focused majors, and the emphasis on internships and study aboard. The job fair is just one of the many things the College does to help students get a jump start in their careers. One Champlain College student said that the fair enabled him meet face to face with employers from companies he had applied to online.

According to Associate Director of Career Services Patricia Boera, the annual job fair in the spring is a valuable resourceful service that Champlain College can also offer to the local community. Because it is open to the general public, it gives Champlain students, especially those about to graduate in May, a realistic insight into today's job market, she said. "It enables our students to be aware that the market is competitive, showing them how professional they have to be to get a job," Boera said. Community members who attended commented that the fair was a great resource with a good blend of employers and businesses.

In today's competitive job market, students must go above and beyond to make a lasting impression. The college works to help students in mastering immerging technologies and reinforcing their potential to students. Boera has been, "working with students to use social media tools like LinkedIn and Facebook to help them in their job search." The Career Office posts job resources online and encourages the college's faculty to help prepare students for the opportunities that can spring board them into successful full-time careers.