University of Nebraska student Adam Beal, left, speaks with an employer during Tuesday's Career Fair. Photo: Charlie Litton, NewsNetNebraska
Adam Beal didn't know what to expect when he walked into the two large rooms at the University Nebraska-Lincoln Union Tuesday afternoon. The Nebraska freshman had only a vague idea about what to expect at the Fall Career Fair, but he knew he wanted answers even if the questions themselves were sometimes elusive.
Most of the students and job seekers in attendance look more seasoned, and they arrive dressed to play the part of a prized prospect—professional dresses, suits, ties and jackets, all with polished resumes in hand-and wearing that certain look of anxiety that washes over just before sliding under the microscope of a potential employer. Beal took the opposite approach, interviewing 16 different employers for what they had to offer a newly minted college student with less than eight weeks of classes under his belt.
"I'm looking to see what's out there for actuarial sciences," the 17-year-old Waldorf, Md., native said, "because I have no idea what kind of job I'll be getting ... Honestly, I've been thinking about switching majors, so I want to see what's out there."
Although many underclassmen attend the Career Fair—many as part of a business course requirement—Beal's presence at the opening day of the fair was something of a novelty to employers.
Susan Becker, senior human resources consultant at Assurity Life Insurance Company, said she could remember just four freshmen—including Beal—stopping by as the last minutes of the fair ticked away. She said it was a shame that more didn't attend as a way to learn more about businesses and the opportunities available.
"I wish more freshmen would come out," she said.
When Beal first stepped through the Centennial Room's double doors, he was immediately overwhelmed with the ordered chaos of swarming suits, handshakes and rosy smiles.
"Oh my goodness, this place is huge. I don't want to miss anything. I'm afraid I'm going to miss something," he said, flipping through the information packet he received at the door. "I have no idea where to go first. Hopefully somebody will just look good."
He dove into the first booth that looked available and inviting, no matter how tenuous its connection to his major field of study, actuarial sciences—Enterprise Rent-A-Car. The idea was to just get the first one out of the way.
"That was really helpful," he said, visibly relieved after his first interview. "I'm way more comfortable now, knowing they're all here to help you."
As Beal moved through the room, he initially targeted insurance and financial companies. Then he rounded a corner and stopped in his tracks and spun on his heels.
"I kind of want to talk to the IRS," he murmured, almost as if he were breaking a taboo. He added with a laugh: "I think my taxes are all up to date."
Then he jumped in, spending a good 15 minutes with the IRS. He was pleased to have emerged without an audit.
"That was an eye-opener," he said once he was finished. "He said he carries a badge and a gun. I had no idea."
For students like Beal and even those with more focused goals for the Career Fair, the end result is often the same. A few resumes are handed off, a few phone numbers are traded and an armload of folders, brochures and company information kits are collected.
"The important thing about the Career Fair is that it is the first step in a process," said Christina Fielder, Career Services assistant director. "That first step leads to an interview, and that leads to an offer."
While Beal's process still has a few more years before it plays out, he still has more questions than answers.
"I feel a little overwhelmed," he said as employers started breaking down displays and heading for the exits.
Beal wanted to learn more about actuarial sciences and the opportunities that lay in wait as he heads for a diploma. Now that he finds unexpected interests in other fields, the path remains murky.
"I have more questions about the future," he said. "It really confuses things for me, but at least now I know what I have to do."
Career Fair continues through the rest of the week with more than 200 employers. Wednesday, Oct. 7, will feature engineering employers at the City Union (10 a.m.-3 p.m.). Career Fair wraps up on Thursday, Oct. 8 with Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources at the East Campus Union (10 a.m.-3 p.m.), and Actuarial Sciences at the City Union (4-7 p.m.).
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