Job hunters find information at OCCC Job Fair

Tiffany Chesnut
News Writing Student

About 100 employers and many job seekers had the opportunity to learn what part-time and full-time positions companies have to offer at the Job Fair on March 3 on campus.

A few companies were hiring on the spot, while others were handing out applications and offering internships.

“I was surprised to see how many companies were actually offering to help pay for my school while being employed with them,” said student Lindsey Walker, who attended the fair. “I always thought it was just the health professions that helped employees with school.”

Tinker Federal Credit Union has attended the OCCC Job Fair for more than six years, said Michelle Walsh, employment recruiter. The company offers both part-time and full-time positions. After working for the credit union for one year, each of its employees is eligible for its Financial Education Program, Walsh explained.

Full-time employees can be reimbursed up to $4,500 per school year. Part-time employees are eligible for up to $2,250 per school year. The only requirement is that employees make at least a C in each class they are enrolled in, Walsh said.

She talked about the kind of employee she is looking for.

“We are looking for how a person interacts with people, things of that nature,” Walsh said. “But also if it’s a teller job, clerical experience, cash handling, retail experience are very good in positions like that. Also computer skills, writing skills and report writing.”

The credit union strives to succeed at service to its members and taking care of all their needs, she said.

Platt College was at the Job Fair to recruit students interested in allied health care and culinary education. Platt College offers a bachelor’s degree in restaurant management, and an associate degree in culinary arts, as well as other bachelor degrees.

“We set our students up with externships and we also help them with job placement after they graduate,” said Mike Stovall, who said he has been with Platt College for five years working with its Career and School relations department.

“A lot of our students get jobs from our externships. After going to an externship, the employers like what they see and a lot of times students get hired off of that.”

OCCC hosts a job fair the first Wednesday of every March and October, said Judi McGee, Employment Services coordinator. It always draws a large range of companies, from places like Braum's and Sonic, who hire anyone from a high school student, to someone with a college degree, to companies looking for lawyers and medical professionals at hospitals.

McGee shared this story when reminiscing about this year’s Job Fair.

“I think one of the best things that I heard from the Job Fair was from two gentlemen who were exiting the fair and had papers in their hands," she said. "One of them said this has been a good day, and the other one said, yes, a really good day.”

For more information, contact Student Employment and Career Services at 405-682-7519.