There are only two days a year when OCCC students have a chance to visit with as many as 60 possible employers all in one place: once in the fall and once in the spring.

The next OCCC Job Fair is quickly approaching on Wednesday, Oct. 5.

Director of Student Employment and Career Services Debra Vaughn said the purpose of the job fair is to help students, community members and alumni who are seeking employment.

The employers attending range from local to national entities, and reach the entire spectrum of careers. Such companies include Dell, Integris and the Pioneer Library System.

“We have close to 60 employers right now, and our goal is 100,” Vaughn said.

“For the past three years, our events have attracted over 4,000 job seekers, which is very alluring to employers.”

All general employers gather 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in OCCC’s greater dining area. The health profession employers set up from noon to 6 p.m. in College Union rooms 2 and 3.

The job fair is free and open to students and the public.

Vaughn said those attending the job fair should dress appropriately.

“Get your professional dress outfit, your resume and your 15-second ‘Who I Am’ speech ready,” she said.

Vaughn said she encourages students to come by Student Employment and Career Services to prepare for the fair.

“Let us help you create a resume, or review your current resume. Also, we have resume paper and students can come in and print up to 10 pages a day in our offices.

“Stepping up to a table and possibly a new job can be daunting, but stepping up with all these things makes a good presentation for the recruiters,” she said.

Vaughn also said students have had success at job fairs in the past.

“We have many employers that request time to interview that day, so theoretically a student could walk in without a job and walk out with a job.”

OCCC psychology major Caroline Rutherford said she considers it lucky that the college offers a job fair.

“I think it’s a great opportunity,” Rutherford said.

Vaughn said, ultimately, the college’s goal is to help students get their feet planted in the professional world.

“If you can find employment that’s related to your ultimate college and career goals, you’re a step ahead,” she said.

“Working with these companies now could lead to full-time employment in your career after college.

“This is [the college’s] goal: Seeing students succeed. That’s what keeps us going every morning.”

For more information, call 405-682-7519, or visit the Employment Services office in room 1G7 of the Main Building.

To contact Priscilla Colley,

email staffwriter2@occc.edu