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As a university recruiter for the Idaho National Laboratory (INL), Eddie Celis visits campuses across the country to seek out the perfect fit for INL internships. The University of Idaho Career Fair is fertile ground for Celis and hundreds of other company representatives in search of both interns and full-time employees.
The U of I Fall Career Fair drew a record 230 employers – the first time the event has drawn more than 200. The spring edition takes place Feb. 7 at the P1FCU Kibbie Dome, where more than 150 employers will visit with students from across the academic spectrum.
Celis ’19, ’22, returns to familiar territory next week. As an undergraduate student he worked for the Office of Career Services. Now he helps identify students who can contribute to INL’s mission.
“We’re looking for skills and qualifications, but most of the U of I students have those,” Celis said. “The other half we’re looking for is the passion behind their work. We want students to understand the big picture of the work we do here at INL. Our researchers and scientists are trying to change the world and when students have that same passion, that’s when it really clicks.”
The U of I Career Services staff works to bring in a wide variety of employers and prepares students by reviewing resumes and advising students on how to make a good impression on employers. Students can research companies represented at the Career Fair on Handshake – the U of I’s online career platform. In addition to the Career Fair, each college holds a Networking Night, where students can visit with employers in a casual setting and faculty can connect with companies to learn more about what they’re looking for in graduates.
“The Networking Nights are more casual than the Career Fair and they’re a good chance for students to introduce themselves to recruiters and employers, as well as build up their confidence,” said Eric Anderson, U of I’s associate director for employer relations, experiential learning and events.
According to U of I Career Fair surveys, 100% of employers say U of I students made a positive impression on them. Celis was once one of those students making a strong impression, but now it’s his turn to be impressed by Vandals’ ability and passion.
“The students I’ve met at the U of I are very easy to engage with and I think the culture that the university has developed really helps,” Celis said. “A big reason a lot of industries like ours look at U of I students is because they’re among the best of the best when it comes to research. They’re on the way to becoming an R1 institution and they’re also providing a lot of opportunities and scholarships for students, which makes it really attractive for INL.”
Our career services are available to all students and alumni and are just another way the U of I prepares graduates who are ready to contribute to their organizations from day one, helping them earn the top starting salaries of any public university in the state.
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