By Pete Dillon '12
Even with the recent economic turmoil throughout the country, Siena College continues to be a favored recruiting location for businesses in a variety of fields and industries.
“During the recession, we haven’t lost a single company that recruits on campus,” said Career Center Director Debra Del Belso.
Along with industry specific skills, Del Belso said Siena students possess valuable qualities that employers are looking for, including leadership, organization and teamwork.
Del Belso added that Siena’s small class sizes contribute to the skill development amongst students because they can hone their presentation and communication skills from the moment they enter the classrooms as first-year students. The tightly-knit Siena alumni community also plays a major role in helping Siena students prepare for job opportunities after graduation.
“Alumni from Siena are really great in wanting to help out with things like mock interviews, resume critiques and networking,” said Del Belso.
Students often network with local professionals, executives and Siena professors and administrators. Many students use campus resources and alumni to help in their job search and career development.
“I am working with a Siena (graduate) now, helping him with a new business he is getting started,” said Tom Coffey ’12.
The Career Center’s annual Career Fair is another way Siena students are able to connect with potential employers. It has become a destination for businesses and future employees alike.
“Our first Career Fair held on campus only had 38 students in attendance. The event has grown each year to the point where this year, we had to put employers on a waiting list because we didn't have the room to accommodate all organizations that wanted to attend,” said Del Belso.
More than 100 companies and graduate schools filled the Alumni Recreation Center as more than 500 students looking for post-graduate opportunities and internships presented their resumes, practiced their interviewing skills and researched their fields of interest.
“It gave us a great opportunity to learn more about the types of jobs that are available to us as graduates,” said Allegra Serafini ’12.
Whether it is networking with alumni or connecting with employers during the Career Fair, Siena College is providing its students with opportunities to find jobs, regardless of the economic climate.
Photo Credit: Dave Boswell '12
