Davenport University students and alumni interested in working for companies specializing in accounting, finance, and insurance had the unique opportunity to put themselves and their resumes in front of more than 40 employers. 

The university hosted an Accounting, Finance and Insurance Career Fair September 19 on its W. A. Lettinga Grand Rapids Campus to help bridge the gap between students looking for work and employers looking for a great hire.

Career fairs are important to employers and students. According to Handshake, the online recruiting platform that connects college students with potential employers, companies attend career fairs because they genuinely want to meet and recruit students.

Elzie Honicutt, career and internship coach at Davenport, said employers attend the university’s career fairs because they know they will make connections with talented students and alumni who can contribute to their company’s future growth.

“The career fair is an excellent way for students to network with local employers that they are interested in and a real opportunity to secure an internship or gain full-time employment,” said Honicutt.

Quick conversations with Davenport students turned up consistent answers about the value of attending the career fair.

David, a finance major: “I attended to get the face-to-face interaction. It’s easy to apply for jobs online, but I like to interact with people to see what the company is all about.”

Matthew, an accounting major: “I attended to possibly find an internship and a job after I graduate. It is so important to get yourself out there and talk to every employer at the career fair.”

Hannah, an accounting major: “I love to take advantage of every opportunity Davenport provides to assist students with their job search.I came to this career fair to see what opportunities might be available and because it is a great way to network. ”

Riley, a human resource management major: I came to the career fair to network and meet with companies to possibly find an internship. I met with a lot of great companies and even have a few internship leads.”

Employer perspectives

What is the most important trait you look for in an intern or employee?

• Hungerford: We look for candidates who are teachable and have a positive attitude. We are also interested in those who are ready to learn and can build relationships with staff members.
• Auto-Owners Insurance: We look for confidence. If a student walks up to me with a smile on their face, ready to talk about themselves, I’m ready to talk to them.

What do you look for in a student’s resume?

• Yeo and Yeo: When we look at a student’s resume we really pay attention to their work experience, but also volunteer work and on-campus involvement.