Student On Campus Job Interviews, Summer Internships with Alumni on the Rise

Despite the softened economy, Career Services marked several increases in opportunities extended to students this year, including on campus recruiting and alumni-sponsored internships.

Through the on campus recruiting program, the number of companies that visited remained constant during 2000-2001 compared to last year. Counselors in Career Services were concerned about the economy and encouraged students to take as many interviews as possible. The department increased marketing efforts to make students aware of the companies and positions available. These strategies paid off as the number of student interviews increased 26 percent over last year. Similarly, the total number of resumes submitted through Job Vault, the on-line job posting system, requesting interviews with employers was up 15 percent.

“It’s important that our office take a proactive role in advertising these opportunities to students,” says Lori Kennedy, director of Career Services. “Interviews allow students to explore different organizations and positions while clarifying their interests. Employers expect to interview as many students as possible and will cancel their recruiting visit altogether if student interest is low. Employers were pleased with the increased student applications, and sent more representatives to interview students than last year, with an 11 percent increase. The Class of 2001 proved its interest by applying to more companies.”

Opportunities for underclassmen seeking summer internships also were on the rise. Career Services works closely with Alumni Affairs to encourage alumni to sponsor summer internships for Lafayette students. This year, 143 alumni volunteered to sponsor a student, compared to 54 internships offered last year — a 165 percent improvement. “This increase in alumni support demonstrates the deep commitment of our alumni,” notes Kennedy.