Typically, people get hired after attending career fairs. But at West Coast University-Orange County’s Fall 2016 event, one BSN grad was hired on the spot during the career fair.
Hannah Vasay, a 2013 WCU graduate working in home health, said she came in with an open mind but didn’t expect to leave with a new job as a dialysis registered nurse with DaVita Kidney Care. Vasay said DaVita was her No. 1 choice going in, but she still checked out some of the 22 other facilities in attendance before making her way over to their booth.
“I love that they’re all about teamwork, they’re like a close-knit family unit and I love being on a smaller team,” she said.
Vasay shared that the DaVita recruiter remembered her from a previous event and before she knew it, she was being interviewed one-on-one in a conference room.
“It was just the craziest whirlwind ever,” she said. “Good things happen when you least expect it, and I got a job opportunity out of this career fair, and loved it.”
WCU-OC Careers Services director Ann Marie Rivera said the hiring process typically takes a little longer for most BSN new hires, but there’s no set timeline.
“Usually the recruiters will collect their resumes and call within a week, or up to three weeks as they look through the candidates, but this time DaVita interviewed and hired someone on the spot,” Rivera said.
Career Services is available to support WCU students and graduates at any point of their job search, Rivera said, and offers a variety of services including resume building, job interview training and networking tips.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s their first term in nursing or if they already have a job. It is really important for students and graduates to start planning their goals, what they want to do, and just talk to the recruiters and get information about their organizations,” Rivera said.
Vasay said she had been working with Career Services a lot recently. She had done some practice job interviews and subscribed to all their emails. And she definitely recommended attending all the career fairs.
“Go to them,” Vasay said. “They are the best thing ever for you. You won’t regret it. Good things can happen.”
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.
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