[Bridgeview and Chicago-Jefferson Park, IL] On Thursday, November 9, Northwestern College held its first ever mid-year Career Fair for both students and the community, concentrating specifically on healthcare-related careers. Eighty five percent of the students at Northwestern College are enrolled in programs involving healthcare, including its Violet L Schumacher School of Nursing. Obtaining employment following graduation is crucial to the success of graduates as well as the College; therefore, a decision was made to begin focusing greater emphasis on assisting mid-year graduates with their job searches by conducting a career fair in the late fall.
The Healthcare Career Fair was highly participated in, especially for a first time event. Nearly 250 job seekers attended and participated in on-the-spot interviews with recruiters. In addition, numerous interviews were arranged for next week, with employers in attendance advising that many more opportunities would become available after the New Year.
In total, 23 recruiters participated in Northwestern College’s Healthcare Career Fair, representing fourteen (14) different companies. In surveys afterwards, most took the time to comment on how great all of the candidates were as well as how organized the event was that day.
Graduating students and community members seeking employment came prepared for interviews, dressed in business suits, dresses, jackets and ties, however the majority attended wearing clean and pressed medical scrubs, as required for their daily classes. The soon-to-be-graduates presented their resumes and discussed career opportunities with employers representing numerous healthcare-related businesses and organizations.
Businesses that took part in the 2017 Healthcare Career Fair included: Palos Health; All STAT Portable X-Ray; Loyola University Medical Center; BrightStar Care of Tinley Park/Oak Lawn; American Medical Technologists; Pilsen Medical Clinic and Associates; Uro Partners LLC; Advocate Health Care; Erie Family Health; Parker Cromwell; Roseland Community Hospital; St. Anthony Hospital; Advocates at Home; and LifeSource.
Some of the additional employers unable to attend the event this week scheduled time to visit the campuses and meet with interested students at alternative dates.
The majority of the 31 employers present were interested in hiring multiple employees spanning numerous open positions at their establishments. Positions being recruited for included X-Ray Techs; Medical Assistants; RNs; CNAs; LPNs; PCTs; Rad Techs; Coding Specialists; Physician Assistants; Nurse Practitioners; Medical Receptionists; Medical Call Center/Patient Registration Representatives; Certified/Registered Medical Assistants; Billing Assistants; Caregivers; and Fundraising Assistants.
Northwestern College hosted this career fair on behalf of its students as well as members of the community, free of charge. The College’s administration and staff hold strong to the belief that it is imperative to do everything possible to assist graduates in obtaining employment.
“We are excited to have had such a tremendous turnout for Northwestern College’s first mid-year career fair,” commented Lawrence Schumacher, President of Northwestern College. “Assembling employers affiliated with healthcare professions is imperative so that we can get as many of our fall graduates employed soon after the conclusion of the fall quarter. Based on the tremendous participation, our students agreed!” President Schumacher expressed his hope that the connections made at this career fair will lead to full-time employment opportunities, opening up new doors to the future for their graduates.
The success of this career fair is due to the efforts of Northwestern College’s Career Development & Alumni Relations Coordinators, including Greg Norton of its Chicago-Jefferson Park Campus and Amy Buoscio of its Bridgeview Campus. In addition, the numerous Northwestern College staff, program coordinators and directors, and other volunteers were thanked for the assistance they provided to help make the event a success.
About Northwestern College:
Northwestern College (NC) is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, 230 S. LaSalle St., Suite 7-500, Chicago, IL 60604, (312) 263-0456, www.ncahlc.org. The college offers focused career-oriented associate degree and certificate programs with flexible schedules and a supportive faculty. Day, evening, weekend, online classes and online programs are available. More information can be found at www.NC.edu or by calling toll-free (888) 205-2283.