AWC career fair offers information

People looking for a career change will find information on everything from being a hairstylist to a police officer.

Students looking for advice about making their first move into the work force will be able to get some guidance.

And those wanting to polish their resume or interview skills will be given practical experience.

The Career Exploration Fair 2004, hosted by Arizona Western College, will be Thursday at the Yuma Civic and Convention Center.

High school juniors and seniors will attend the morning session from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The fair will be open to the public from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

"There are a lot of opportunities for individuals," said Mel Parker, career development coordinator for AWC. "I encourage everyone to come out."

Representatives from 100 organizations and businesses will be available to answer questions and provide additional information about education, internships and training. Participants include Arizona Department of Corrections, Cellular One, Girl Scouts, Nicklaus Engineering, U.S. Border Patrol and Yuma Regional Medical Center.

For a complete list of companies and organizations participating in the job fair, visit www.jobsinyuma.com/jobfair.htm.

Besides looking to meet with businesses, people can also visit the Professional Career Advisement Center and get assistance with resumes, job applications and interviewing or register with DES Job Service and apply for jobs online.

"They will be able to look at resumes and talk about job interviews," Parker said. "It's a good resource for anyone."

People at any points in their career are invited to attend.

"It's directed at anyone looking for a job, a career change or education," Parker said.

This year's theme is "Blast from the Past" in honor of AWC's 40th anniversary. Participants can flash back to American Bandstand by twisting to classic hits played by a local disc jockey.

"From the Beatles to Beach Boys, it will take people back," Parker said.

They will have the opportunity to meet Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley. There will also be a fashion show featuring 1960s attire, Parker said.

"It's more than a career fair," he said. "It's fun and informative all wrapped into one."

This is all part of the relaxed atmosphere, Parker said.

"It's one of those events where you can have fun and learn something at the same time," he said.

"It's a great contribution to the community," Parker said. "Since we are a community college, it's not just for the students. That's why we invite anyone that wants to come. We promote lifelong learning and this is one way that we are able to do that."

In the past, about 500 high school students and 1,000 people from the public have attended the career fair.

For more information about the career fair, call 344-7704.