The air was filled with anticipation, nervousness and excitement as graduating seniors entered the room to interact with company respresentatives at the 2002 College of Textiles Job Forum social and dinner on Wednesday, September 11th.

The social and dinner was the official kick-off for the College’s annual career fair event called the Job Forum. Nearly 30 companies and 75 industry representatives participated in this year’s Forum, which constitutes close to a 100% increase over participation the previous year. “I’m excited with the turn-out this year. What’s more important, is the fact that every company anticipates hiring interns or entry-level employees from this year’s class. This is a positive start to our on-campus interviewing season,” states Kent Hester, Director of Student and Career Services.

This full event began with a fun game of superball golf, where industry, faculty and students were paired into four-person teams. Ten teams enjoyed a beautiful afternoon of golf at Pine Hollow Golf Club. Following the tournament, students and industry alike donned their best business attire for the social and dinner. Twenty-one companies helped the College off-set the cost of the event by sponsoring half or full tables at the dinner.

The second day of the event began with presentations which updated industry guests on changes within the College, as well as job placement facts and figures from the previous year. The main event, the open career fair, was held after the information sessions. An estimated 400 students attended the career fair event. Hester added, “I hope the positive participation in this kick-off event will translate into a great placement year for both students and companies...we will see come next September.”

Students and industry mix at the Job Forum held in the Atrium at the College of Textiles.