Penn State holding virtual job fair

Penn State Behrend held a virtual career and internship fair Wednesday. The fair featured more than 80 companies and government agencies who communicated with Penn State students and alumni via video conferencing links.

The university’s Academic and Career Planning Center coordinated the event.

Each job recruiter scheduled 10-minute blocks with attendees. Attendees registered in advance and uploaded a resume. At the fair, they were able to enter a virtual queue for up to five companies that interested them.

“There’s a built-in flexibility that will allow both our students and the recruiters to be more strategic,” Danielle Taft, interim director of Career Services at Penn State Behrend, said. “At an in-person career fair, you can’t be in more than one place at a time. If you’re in line for an in-demand company, you have to wait. In the virtual format, you can fit in another interview, even if it’s just for practice.”

The format offered some advantages, Taft said. Recruiters didn’t strain to listen to attendee because of noise at the venue, and students weren’t conscious of others in line behind them. In addition, companies that have not traditionally attended could be included.

Companies attending include Penn Highlands Healthcare, Stanley Black & Decker, and
NatureWorks.