The Career Fair brought many employers to the campus quad, offering jobs and career paths to GWC students (Western Sun photo by Cassidy Fix).

By Cassidy Fix/Western Sun news editor

Opportunity is out there if only one seeks it, and on Wednesday, April 13 students did not have to go far. Around 30 businesses from Orange County took over the quad with booths and representatives for the Career Center’s career fair.

Bright and early at 10 a.m., students looking for part time jobs or future career opportunities dressed to impress and brought resumes. Hundreds of students trickled in and out throughout the three hours of the Career Fair.

Students interacted with many of businesses and were able to get opportunities in establishing networks, information on the jobs that were available, what jobs entailed, and how to apply. There were some businesses that even held interviews on the spot.

With around 30 vendors, there were more than 100 jobs available. While some student attendees might have been in need for some sort of income, some of the businesses expressed their critical need for staff.

Comfort Keepers, a non-medical senior care service, expressed their need for caregivers claiming, “We hire people once a week. We never have enough workers.”

With the amount of businesses came a plethora of job types for all personalities. United Cerebral Palsy of O.C. was hiring for part time caregivers, while Nordstrom’s was hiring in the bank and credit division. Commercial Fleet Industries was seeking an individual who enjoys working on cars or service writing.

For those interested in working with children, Irvine Unified School District was looking to hire a behavior tutor or substitute behavior tutor as well as an instructional assistant. The Boys and Girls Club was hiring for someone to work with students in the program.

Vivint, a smart home security company, was hiring for sales representatives and for tech savvy students, installers of their home security devices.

Sales representative Paul Stengel said that Vivint is a “private company but it’s rapidly expanding.” He explained that they have become a vertical, national company.

“We have 1 million customers,” Stengel said.

For students looking to secure the advancement of children, Face to Face Outreach was looking for people to do local grassroots fundraising.

They are currently partnered with “Save the Children” fundraising campaign, who work towards building wells to provide clean water, schools, and making sure children have necessities.

Campaigner Reggie said they are “looking for people who are passionate about the cause.” He explained that people work in pairs or teams and fundraise in busy public areas. They will be having open interview sessions in the next coming weeks.

Other businesses included the U.S. Army, Massage and Envy Spa, AT&T, Riverside County Sherriff Department, UPS, Optima Tax Relief, Chuck E. Cheese, Panda Express, State Farm, Living Spaces, Intelliloan, Penzoil, Transfirst, LAZ Parking and Bright Star Care.

Students expressed that the representatives were easy to communicate with and had open ears. Student Max Dev said, “Everyone at the booths was very friendly. I learned a lot about different career opportunities.”

“I think a career fair is a good opportunity for college students to explore career options they might have trouble getting access to otherwise.”