Students of the College of Arts and Sciences will get the opportunity to make their degrees more marketable to outside industries at the Mock Career Fair this evening.

Employers such as the City of Pullman, Schweitzer Engineering Labs and Pullman Regional Hospital will be present at the Mock Career Fair to practice interviews with students, said Arlene Parkay, academic coordinator in the College of Arts and Sciences.  

“Students can learn how to better market themselves with real employers,” said Parkay. “It’s a practice, but some are looking to hire.”

Before going into the mock interviews, students will receive one hour of network training, she said.

“This can help students introduce themselves to employers and learn how to market what they are learning,” Parkay said.

There will be guest speakers from the Center for Advising and Career Development, as well as representatives giving interview and resume tips.

The idea for the Mock Career Fair came about two years ago during a meeting with students, said Parkay. She said students in the College of Arts and Sciences were most worried about being able to find a job after graduating.

“We need to do a better job of preparing our majors for employment,” Parkay said.

She said the main goal for the fair is for students to find ways to showcase their major to employers in a market that seems to be only looking for business and engineering degrees.

“Look beyond the obvious in job descriptions,” she said. “Hospitals need English majors.”

Senior political science and philosophy major Jake Mayson will be attending the fair.

“It’s a great opportunity for students,” Mayson said. “There is always a skill you possess that is needed.”

Parkay said even though the fair will be primarily for art and science majors, everyone is welcome.

To prepare for the fair, Parkay encouraged students to bring a resume and dress professionally, though neither is required.

“Professional dress makes you respond differently. And the biggest things employers are looking for is an attitude to learn,” she said. “I’ve never seen a person lose a job because they can’t do the job. They lose the job because they can’t be taught.”

The Mock Career fair will be from 4-6 p.m. in the CUB Junior Ballroom. An RSVP is recommended and can be made at [email protected]. Light refreshments will be provided.