Bluffton University business students got a head start on their career search during the Employer Expo networking event held on campus Sept. 13

“This event helped me understand the things to ask during an interview, what to put on my resume and how to prepare for an interview, just really great insight on what companies actually want out of their interns and the people they are going to hire in the future,” said Jeff Horner, a senior who is double majoring in accounting and business, from Lima, Ohio. 

About two dozen students participated in the event sponsored by Bluffton’s Center for Career and Vocation and Bluffton University Business Leaders. The Employer Expo featured several major employers in Ohio, including Owens-Illinois and Cooper Tire. Bluffton has long-standing relationships with these companies through the university’s internship program. St. Rita’s Medical Center, the American Red Cross and The Union Bank Co. also participated. The event featured both a panel session and a networking opportunity. 

Jason Swartzlander, associate professor of accounting says events like this one help students plan for internships which are necessary to prepare for life after graduation. “We are trying to give the students an opportunity to confirm their vocational choice,” said Jason Swartzlander, associate professor of accounting. “Often, they may have a perception of what it’s like to work at a specific company and then when they get there, it might be different. By doing an internship there is a definite start and a definite end but there is no commitment.”

Topics discussed during the event ranged from how to stand out during an interview to the importance of internships. The event was aimed at business, marketing and accounting majors, however, several students with other academic interests also took part.

“The advice I have for students is to get experience any way you can get it—whether it’s through the college, on cross-cultural experiences, through an internship or volunteer work— take advantage of every opportunity that you can,” said Andrea Goings, director of culture and learning at St. Rita’s Medical Center of Lima, Ohio.