By Jeremy D. Wells
Carter County Times
If you were looking for a job in the Grayson area, the Kentucky Christian University campus was a good place to be last week. Nearly 30 local businesses set up booths to discuss what they do, and the opportunities they can offer, with KCU students and participating high school seniors from both East and West Carter high schools.
Mike Nelson, with the Grayson Area Chamber of Commerce, said that approximately 280 students and job seekers were in attendance to explore the jobs on offer.
While not every conversation led to a connection or a job offer, all of the businesses who were available to speak said they found the experience valuable.
“It was worth coming,” Judy Goats, of Century 21 Realty told the Times.
She said that “about 20” of the folks she spoke to requested more information about their business.
“Even more came by,” Goats said. “But about 20 expressed actual interest.”
KCU professor of business and sports business, Dean Brand, said those interactions were nearly as valuable as the potential job leads. The students at KCU come from all across the country, he noted, as far afield as Alaska. While some may stay in Carter County after graduation, especially if they already have ties to the area, most will not. Despite this, he said, it’s important they learn to talk to prospective employers – an opportunity the job fair provides.
“It gives them the opportunity to practice what I call the human moment,” Brand said.
It also shows them the types of opportunities that might be open to them, some of which they may not have considered before. In that respect, Brand said, “I think it has gone wonderfully.”
He said he would “love” for KCU to host such an event again in the future.
The event was co-sponsored by the Grayson Area Chamber and the KCU School of Business & Leadership.
Contact the writer at editor@cartercountytimes.com