On The Record
The annual Washtenaw Community College Spring Career Fair held last month was the largest in the college’s history. Eighty local employers participated in the fair including Dick Scott Automotive Group, IKEA, Manpower, Thetford and Thomson Reuters.
“As a locally-owned, community-based staffing organization, we choose to partner with organizations like Washtenaw Community College because we want to develop and build relationships here on a local level,” said Dawn Simpson, staffing solutions leader at Manpower of Southeast Michigan. “Being able to make new connections, assist others in finding work and help businesses in southeastern Michigan is what we strive to do.”
The career fair attracted 280 registered job seekers. Numerous drop-ins from the college and local community were in attendance. Career fairs provide a unique opportunity for employers and job seekers to connect face-to-face.
“Having the chance to network with professionals was a good experience for me,” said WCC student Armond Wilson. “I really enjoyed talking to the different employers about their companies and the various job positions.”
More than 90 students have been hired by local employers this academic year, up nearly 50 percent over the previous academic year.
WCC’s mission to launch students into careers is being helped by a growing local economy. “What we are seeing in WCC student employment correlates directly with the message that George Fulton gave at the Washtenaw Economic Club Luncheon held at the college on March 18,” said Interim Dean of Career Services Marilyn Donham. “We are looking at unprecedented employment numbers in this county, primarily in IT and health care. WCC students are well qualified and in very high demand.”
WCC’s career services department hosts a variety of career fairs throughout the year. In addition to general career fairs, the college hosts events for niche areas such as advanced manufacturing, business and health care.
For more information, visit the college’s website at: wccnet.edu.