More than 20 featured employers and over 200 West Coast University students and graduates attended the WCU-Ontario career fair this August.
WCU-Ontario Career Services director Mercedes Garner said even if students aren’t looking for immediate work, career fairs are a great place to network and meet potential future employers or clinical sites.
“Going to a career fair gives students an advantage because they can learn about the unique qualifications health care organizations are looking for and start goal planning for the future,” Garner said. “Some of them can connect with classmates who graduated already and get a glimpse of what it is like to apply for jobs as a new grad nurse.”
Garner added that even if students can’t attend Career Services events, the department is “always on standby in case a graduate or a student may need assistance with an introduction to one of the recruiters.”
“One of our goals in Career Services is to ensure that the students learn how to make the connections on their own so that they are fearless and confident in networking by the time they graduate,” she added.
At the most recent career fair, Garner said, many top health care recruiters in the area attended the event including Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, Cambrian Homecare, Canyon Ridge Hospital, Casa Colina Hospital and Centers for Healthcare, Chino Valley Medical Center, Corona Regional Medical Center, County of San Bernardino, Cucamonga Valley Medical Group, Department of State Hospitals, Desert Regional Medical Center, Health Care Partners, Hemet Valley Medical Center, Hi-Desert Medical Center, Huntington Hospital, Inland Valley Medical Center, JFK Memorial Hospital, JM Staffing, Loma Linda University, Menifee Valley Medical Center, Montclair Hospital, Pacific Grove, Parkview Community Hospital, Rancho Springs Medical Center, Rescare, Riverside University Health Systems, Ro Health, San Dimas Community Hospital, San Gabriel Valley Medical Center and Temecula Valley Hospital.
WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment. The views and opinions expressed are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs or position of the school or of any instructor or student.