It’s been 33 years since Clifford R. Holmes ‘83 was a student at North Carolina A&T; nine years for Sharnee LeGrand ‘07 and barely nine months for Kavon Anderson ‘15. But each of them were back on campus Sept. 13-16 for the same purpose – to engage and recruit what they all believe to be the next wave of the elite incoming workforce.
Holmes, LeGrand and Anderson attended the 42nd Annual Career Awareness Program and Fair on behalf of their employers, the U.S. Army, ExxonMobil and Herbalife, respectively. Only three representatives among 700 employer representatives in attendance, it was more than just knowing they had access to an immense pool of well-qualified applicants – 3,207 that attended, to be exact – that drew the recruiters to the fair. Rather, it was the sense of Aggie Pride, honor and obligation they have as alumni to open the door for future alumni.
Hired as a mechanical engineer and currently the Interim Division Chief of Munitions in the Quality Engineering and System Assurance Directorate for the U.S. Army, Armament, Research, Development and Engineering Center, Holmes admits his presence on campus has been a part of his long-term plan for quite some time.
“It’s always been my passion to give employment opportunities to students from my alma mater. The opportunity recently became available and I responded to the opportunity,” said Holmes. “It’s a win-win event for students, employers, and alumni who promote the hiring of students from our alma mater.”
If it hadn’t been for the Career Awareness Program and Fair it’s quite possible that LeGrand wouldn’t have her current corporate position with ExxonMobil, particularly because she began her career as a chemical engineering recruit for the company. Returning for the sixth year, LeGrand’s intentions are strategic and exact.
“I continue to return to the career fair because A&T has the best and brightest students to help ExxonMobil take on the world’s toughest energy problems,” she said. “The entire career awareness program is an opportunity for students to explore, learn, find career opportunities and become Aggies that Do great things across the world. As an alumna and corporate representative, I am extremely proud to participate in these events where I can support both my university and my company.”
As a 2015 A&T graduate, Anderson’s not as far removed from the perspective of a student career fair attendee as Holmes and LeGrand, so his mindset is to not only recruit for his company, but to impart a bit of wisdom as well.
The project analyst for Herbalife attended to make sure students are prepared beyond the resume.
“Herbalife looks for students who have good communication, analytical, planning, organization and problem-solving skills, the ability to work well under pressure and those who want to better themselves professionally, said Anderson.” He strongly encourages attendance to the career fair, because, unfortunately he believes most students don’t know how to connect with potential employers. “The career fair provides students and employers with a face-to-face connection.”
Many alumni remained on campus through Sept. 16, including LeGrand, to conduct student interviews for prospective positions. A total of 148 follow-up interviews were scheduled following the fair.
The continued return of successful alumni encourages current students to plan and look beyond the classroom and graduation toward a real world of career exploration and possibilities.
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