June 18, 2009
In a difficult economy, it is often a test of endurance to find
the right job. That’s why St. John’s University, along with many
other universities nationwide, has committed to helping alumni in
their job search.
More than 200 St. John’s alumni job seekers joined alumni from
24 other colleges and universities and more than 75 leading
companies for an Alumni Job Fair at Baruch College in New York on
Thursday, June 4, 2009. The first multi-school job fair of its kind
sponsored by MyWorkster.com and the participating universities,
provided alumni with the opportunity to take advantage of a unique
combination of traditional and non-traditional job search
methods.
MyWorkster leverages the power of online networking resources
and alumni networks to connect potential candidates with
appropriate employers. The steps are simple:
A job seeker at any career level creates a profile on MyWorkster,
to which a Facebook or LinkedIn profile can be linked. Capitalizing
on the value of these existing networks, MyWorkster then makes the
resumes and profiles available to prospective employers.
The majority of the process occurs online where employers can
review resumes, read online recommendations (on LinkedIn pages),
research and contact candidates for interviews. All of this occurs
before the actual day of the job fair.
During the job fair, job seekers and employers have a good sense
of how they should spend their time rather than going to the event
with no knowledge of whether or not their efforts will produce a
valuable return. And perhaps the greatest strength is that alumni
from various career levels can benefit from this system.
Hoping to offer these same resources to alumni, St. John’s
Office of Alumni Relations and Career Center joined MyWorkster for
a job fair in the New York City area. They publicized on a broad
scale, from alumni who have either lost their jobs during the
recession to recent graduates who are looking for their first
job.
“We are committed to offering alumni career support,” noted
Laura Smith, Senior Career Counselor in the Career Center. “[The
event] was a good opportunity for alumni to connect with employers
and their peers.”
Alumni who attended were able to do just that. They were pleased
that there was value for everyone regardless of where they are in
their careers and walked away with a sense of pride in alma
mater that has stepped in to assist since the recession hit
with programs including this one and a well received Alumni Assistance
Program.
“It was terrific that the Office of Alumni Relations and the
Career Center worked closely to offer our alumni an opportunity for
job placement through the MyWorkster Alumni Job Fair,” said William
Schaeffer '73CBA, Director of Alumni Relations. “It is very
gratifying that the University is trying to assist so many alumni
with their career decisions during these very trying times.”
St. John’s continues to give alumni as many opportunities for
networking as possible, with upcoming Young
Alumni Happy Hours and Career Center events.