By Eva Agcaoili / Staff Writer

Missouri Valley College hosted its annual career fair this week in the Malcolm Center gym with 136 students in attendance.

On Wednesday, students had the opportunity to meet with 37 different employers to gain more information about employment opportunities for both before and after graduation.

Taylor Thomas, MVC Career Services Coordinator and Student Success advisor, organized the event for students. 

“I think it’s really important to have this because there are students graduating that are getting lost in the job search,” she said. 

Thomas advocates for the event to help students get in front of employers and see what is available to them.

 “It’s important to have them see that employers are real people that are easy to connect with and network,” she said.

Maddison King; District Executive, Scouting America – Great Rivers Council and MVC alumnae, was one employer in attendance looking to connect with upcoming graduates as potential candidates for full-time job opportunities. 

“For us, we’re looking for students who have the skills necessary for our organization,” King said.  “I came to Valley because it’s my alma mater, and I know the non-profit sector here, I know the academics and I know the students have the skill set we are looking for.”

Chelsea Roman, a sophomore, attended the career fair to connect with different employers in the medical field to determine if she was on the right career path. 

“I think it helped with clarity,” she said. “I’m definitely on the right path.”

Missouri Valley College hosts one general career fair every school year in addition to the ministries services specific fair. 

Last year, around ten students left the fair with two to three viable internship and job opportunities and offers.