Help wanted: NMC Career Fair draws 70 would-be employers

Travis Snyder, The Record-Eagle, Traverse City, Mich.
·2 min read

Mar. 7—TRAVERSE CITY — Students at Northwestern Michigan College had an opportunity to speak with 70 different employers at the school's 18th annual career fair.

The event took place at Thursday afternoon at the Great Lakes Campus.

Lindsey Dickinson, director of student success and retention at NMC, said that the event is open not only to students, but to job-seekers from the community, noting that the fair attracts students at different stages of their academic career.

"Some students are at the tail end of their college career, and are ready for find the next steps, and some are in the middle, just looking to for part-time work while they're still in school," Dickinson said. "We even get dual-enrolled high school kids that are just here to practice talking to professionals, and networking."

Employers were recruiting for career-track, seasonal and entry-level positions, as well as internships and service learning.

Tyler Munroe, owner of Empire Painting Professionals, started his company with his wife Bridgette six years ago. He said that his company isn't just looking for painters, but young professionals that can help his business in different ways.

"We're looking for professional candidates," he said, "We don't need just painters, but people that can help with administration and the business side of things ,too."

Representatives had tables lined up from the lobby throughout the hallways at the Hagerty Center. Companies included: Chick-fil-A, Traverse City Area Public Schools, Department of Natural Resources, Munson Medical Center, Northwest Michigan Health Services, United States Army National Guard, United States Air Force, and more.

Grace Hales, an NMC student, will complete her associate's degree this summer. She said that coming to the job fair is a good opportunity for those looking for both part-time and full-time opportunities.

"I'm only allowed to work 20 hours per week where I'm at now, and just got an apartment myself," she said. "It's expensive! So, I'm hoping to find something that provides more hours and also helps me get experience working with kids, working in a classroom."

She hopes to participate in the Early Education Program at Central Michigan University, so any opportunity that prepares her for work with students is a bonus.

Jan Witte is a recruiter for the Interlochen School of Arts. She said that the school is full of employment opportunities, perfect for those looking for summer jobs. She also pointed out that the fair drew not only young students, but "older folks such as herself" too, people who are past retirement age and want to get back in the workforce.

The Career Fair was held in partnership with Northwest Michigan Works and Networks Northwest.