Brigid Cooley
Editor-in-Chief
Students at Texas A&M University-San Antonio explored job opportunities at the Part-Time and On-Campus Job Fair Aug. 27 in the lobby of the Central Academic Building.
“This is just so convenient; there are so many jobs here all at once,” accounting junior Brandon Guerra said. “I can see what I qualify for and meet managers in person and shake their hands.”
Twenty-five booths lined the busy hallway, representing local businesses and campus departments. Recruiters handed out job applications and swag to students.
The job fair was part of A&M-San Antonio’s week of welcome and hosted by the Mays Center.
“We know that students here are looking for part-time jobs because they’ve told us,” said Karen Ivy, director of Career Services at the Mays Center. “That’s why we’re doing this.”
Employers who attended were self-selected to participate through Handshake, an online portal where companies can post job listings and internship opportunities for A&M-San Antonio students. The Mays Center shares information regarding upcoming events through Handshake and interested employers respond.
“Because they are self-selected, we know that they [the employers] actually want to be here,” Ivy said.
Employers use the job fair to connect with students who could be future team members.
“We want to get students in and give them the opportunity to grow,” said Esther Sasse, a recruiter from Sarma, a credit service company. “We want to expand the Sarma family.”
Cynthia Gloria, area supervisor for the Boys and Girls Club of San Antonio, said busy schedules are not a deterrent when it comes to hiring.
“Even if they can only work three days a week, we want them,” Gloria said. “Our youth development professionals work from 3-6:20 p.m. — perfect hours for students.”
The Boys and Girls Club of San Antonio provides after school care for students in the Harlandale and San Antonio independent school districts.
Along with part-time positions, volunteer opportunities were advertised at the job fair.
“We have many volunteer opportunities; our most popular is our mentor program, which gives kids an opportunity to have an adult role model in their life,” said Alejandra Arquisola, director of community engagement at Good Samaritan Community Services.
Volunteering helps students build strong resumes and rack up hands-on experience.
“I’m looking for a part-time job and volunteer opportunities,” business junior Manuel Gutierrez said. “I’m just trying to get myself out there, you know?”
Students who were unable to attend the fair can connect with employers through Handshake.
