The world of work as we once knew it has changed, and many people have adapted to virtual work.
To help students prepare for the virtual world of work, the GVSU Career Center is hosting the fully virtual Work Like a Laker conference, which includes the virtual Career, Internship and Summer Job Fair.
Students and alumni will have the opportunity to network and develop skills during the two-week, professional development and career conference, which begins March 8. The Career, Internship and Summer Job Fair is on March 18.
Professional development workshops and panel presentations will address current and pressing topics related to workplace and graduate/professional school issues.
Industry information sessions will allow attendees to engage with employers and professionals in the field to learn more about career pathways, industries and specific companies.
More than 80 employers are expected to attend the fair and will represent a variety of industries and fields of study. GVSU’s Career Center has also partnered with Student Employment to share information about summer job opportunities.
Given the circumstances, some students have expressed low job confidence. Megan Riksen, assistant director in the GVSU Career Center, said there is good reason for students to feel confident in their career and internship search. In the past 30 days, more than 5,000 positions have been posted in Handshake, Grand Valley’s job portal.
“If students can get over that hurdle and get to a point where they’re taking an active approach, those steps will benefit them in the immediate future and in the long run,” Riksen said.
The Work Like a Laker conference is free and people interested in attending are encouraged to register for events/sessions ahead of time. While some events are aimed for current students, alumni are welcome to participate.
Regardless of a pandemic or economic downturn, Riksen said strategies for finding an internship or job still apply.
“Get connected to employers, alumni, classmates and faculty,” Riksen said. “Stick to the approach of active search. There are positions that are posted, but also potential new opportunities that open at the drop of a hat.”
The virtual Career, Internship and Summer Job Fair will be held via Career Fair Plus. People interested in attending can do so on a desktop computer or can download the Career Fair Plus app in the iOS App Store or Google Play Store.
For more information about the Work Like a Laker conference and the Career, Internship and Summer Job Fair, visit the GVSU Career Center’s website.
