Online publishers, marketing companies and technology providers advised prospective young professionals in attendance at the second annual Interactive Industry career fair yesterday on résumé building and how to break into their desired industry.
Nonprofit company Massachusetts Innovation and Technology Exchange organzied the event, and representatives said they hope the group of aspiring young professionals in attendance would make long-term connections at the event, increasing their chances of staying in the commonwealth after graduation.
Greg Titus, Chief Executive Officer of start-up firm Courseadvisor.com, an online directory of schools across the country, said he participated in the event because he thought it would spread the word about his new company and attract potential employees.
“We are a young company,” he said. “This is our first career fair, and we’re looking to create a buzz.”
Titus, like the other employers at the fair at the Back Bay Events Center, said his company was largely looking to attract qualified graduates and soon-to-be graduates for entry-level positions.
“The fair brings out the best in students and it gets our name out there,” said Donna Krasner, recruitment director of media planning and marketing communications company MPG Media Contacts.
Students attending the event ranged from current students to recent graduates from 30 Massachusetts universities. Although most of the prospective employees dressed to impress, with nearly every male wearing a suit and tie, they found most employers were not judging applicants based on their outfits.
Martin Osusky, Director of Transfers at Internet search engine Sedo, said applicants in raincoats, jeans and sneakers would be just as attractive as those better-dressed.
“We are looking for personality and the ability to integrate within our organization and our culture,” he said. “We are a young company in an informative environment that is more about performance and creativity.”
Bentley College sophomore Laura Vecchio said she has been to several other career fairs but will continue to do her research and work attending them until she finds the “right” company to work for.
Vecchio said she was looking for a summer internship in marketing and public relations.
“You really get a great advantage by seeing the faces of your potential colleagues,” she said.
Boston University College of Communication senior Anne Kim went to the fair because she wanted to get a better perspective on the marketing industry before she graduates in May.
Kim said the young companies may be a good career stepping point because she is still looking for someone willing to let her develop useful job skills.
“At this point, I’m not certain what I want to do,” she said.