A Trip Back to Campus

I am behind the wheel of a Pontiac Grand Prix. It’s 7:45 a.m. and I am anxious with nervousness and excitement. I’m driving back to the place I used to call home, and today I will be recruiting at the Luther College Spring Career Fair. This will be my first-ever career fair experience as a recruiter.

I arrive at campus around 10:30. Things sure have changed around here; there are more grassy areas, streets that used to be one-way are now two-way, and a new science building has been constructed. But inside the Union, my nerves are settling as the warm hospitality and friendliness of the Luther student body, faculty and staff is clearly in evidence. The warmth of this place has remained unchanged. It feels like I am truly back home.

Arriving a little later than anticipated, I have just enough time to set up my table. I choose a table that’s close to the fireplace where I would frequently sit and study. I double-check to make sure I have enough brochures and gifts on top of the table and greet my neighbors from Thrivent Financial and Aerotek. My first visitor happens to be one of my former Spanish professors, now retired; I’m shocked he remembers my name. Finally, I feel calm. Several students stop by, gather information and ask questions. All are very enthusiastic and I am more than delighted to share with them everything I know about AmFam. I console some seniors who are anxious about life after Luther.

At 3:00 p.m. it is time to pack up. I gather all the resumes I collected and box up my table display. I hit the road, excited to look at our potential candidates and looking forward to coming back to Luther for their next career fair.

What are career fairs like for students? Anyone care to weigh in?

Nina