By Matthew Wright
CCC Journalism Program
BLACKWOOD – Camden County College on April 22 hosted its annual career and internship fair where students were given opportunities for internships.
The career and internship fair, held in the Presidential Courtyard of the Blackwood campus, brought together local employers and organizations looking to recruit Camden County College students for internships across a range of fields, from engineering to business.
The event, organized by Derena Shafer, director of the Career Planning and Advancement Center, wanted to provide students with direct access to internship opportunities and help them build meaningful connections with local employers. She stressed that through internships, students will learn skills that are essential for future jobs and careers.
Over 50 different employers were invited to the event, each ready to inform students and provide them with opportunities to learn and grow. The event featured cornhole games and former student DJ TheDocta for entertainment.
Former student Mike Speirs attended the event for the company he works at, Power Engineers. Speirs was looking for drafting, design, and engineering students to fulfil a summer internship opportunity. Students who get this internship will work with other designers and engineers to make 2-D drawings and diagrams.
Speirs noted the importance of internships saying, “Internships are really beneficial for engineering students. Getting your foot in the door with an internship really gives you a leg up.”
Speirs further noted that the internship will feature a very hands-on approach. You will build teamwork skills with other designers and engineers, critical for getting into the field.
Speirs landed his job through a professor here. He started as a drafter and worked his way up to a designer. He didn’t originally know he would be doing this with his life, but through opportunities with Camden County College, he loves it. Speirs stated, “What I learned at Camden County College set me up for this.”
Michelle Rohan, a committee coordinator for the Camden County Workplace Development Board, was looking for students interested in a summer youth work experience program. This program is available for students ages 16 to 24. It runs from June 23 to Aug. 16. By the end of the eight-week program, students will have each been paid $3,400.
The program teaches students “soft skills.” It will further give students experience for the workforce where they will make connections and network. The program is offered through the CCWDB and may involve partnerships with other organizations.
The board is accepting 100 applications for the program. “About 70 are already in and we expect 150 to 200 applications to be submitted by Friday,” said Rohan.
To be accepted into the program, you must not already have a job.
Many students took advantage of the event’s opportunities. Alex DiBartolomeo, a sophomore, said he felt the fair provided good information and good opportunities for him and other students.
“I’m not entirely sure what I want to do with my career but I am going to take a look at some of the tables here to see if anything interests me,” DiBartolomeo stated.
Ryan Carney, another sophomore, said he enjoyed the turnout at the fair, noting, “It’s popping here.”
