By Kayla Walker
The Career Center hosted its first Entrepreneurial Expo on Feb. 24 where student had the opportunity to distribute their resumes and meet with representatives from over 55 companies.
American Express, Sysco Food Services, MetLife, Newsday and Prudential Financial were among the many companies in attendance looking to meet students and alumni who are sales savvy, successful and have the desire to control their own destiny.
“Companies are looking for students who really want to be risk takers or perhaps eventually own or manage their own business,” senior assistant director of The Career Center, Jennifer Ruggiero, said. “Students need to look at the economy. Companies need to sell products and jump start business. There is growth in the area that presents itself as opportunity for employers and students alike.”
The types of jobs at the fair were commission or compensation positions where employees have access to unlimited earning potential. Usually it would take months to get an interview with some of the companies.
“This is a great opportunity to get my foot in the door and to see what’s out there,” senior speech communications major, Danielle Michaels, said.
Senior psychology major, Glenda Rogers, is looking for a job more focused on social work, “But you never know what leads to a different position, I’m up for anything.”
The jobs offered at the Expo ran from internships to full time positions.
“We’re looking for driven people who will go out and market- basically go-getters,” Tara Anand, human resources representative from Newsday, said.
Junior David Rice, finance major, attended the Expo looking for an internship or part-time job.
“This is great because I can put myself out there and get a step ahead as a junior,” he said. Rice was excited about coming back next year “better prepared.”
Maryann Rafferty, vice president of human resources and risk management at Sysco Food Services, said the Expo was a good opportunity for both students and companies.
“We’ve been trying to generate recruits and figured we could do that at Hofstra,” she said.
Many companies expressed interest in returning for an annual expo. This fair attracted more than 160 students.
“That’s a pretty decent turnout for something that we put together for the first time and that is so specific,” Ruggiero said. “Some of the companies see real potential for good candidates in the students here.”
Students met with representatives from competitive companies at the first entrepreneurial expo. (Kayla Walker/The Chronicle)