Over 100 employers showed up on April 29 for Bakersfield College’s Career Day, offering jobs and information about their companies to an estimated 2,000 job seekers.
The event, which was held in the Campus Center, was open to Bakersfield College students and the public. Its purpose is to let people know what jobs are available.
Carlos Benavidez, 35, a native of Bakersfield, and a veteran was looking for a job in law enforcement to support his family.
BC student Michael Dunn, 22, a broadcasting major, said he was basically looking for anything, while his friend, Sylvester Pollard, 21, also a BC student, majoring in law enforcement said he was interested in “anything physical.”
Another BC student Jonathan Radmer, 25, said, “I am looking for anything part-time to get me through school.”
Mister Gentry, 25, a culinary art major said he hopes to find a job working in a restaurant. He one day wants to do what his dad does, which is own his own restaurant.
Taft College students Kevin Stone, 25, a business management major and Jake Freeman, 21, majoring in business administration were both applying for jobs as part of their internship program. Stone works for Frito Lay in the marketing department and Freeman works for the human resources department of CRC, an oil company.
Some colleges were there informing students of career opportunities they could train for.
Tim Capehart of the BC Fire Tech program said that he was informing the public about the programs offered here at BC. They have an AA degree in the Fire Tech program and an AS in Wild land Firefighter. They also offer a certificate in EMT training.
“We have an in-service agreement with Kern County and the Bakersfield Fire Department to provide training to firefighters who are already working,” said Capehart.
Big name companies, like Target, Bolthouse Farms, and Jack in the Box accepted applications from prospective employees.
Matthew Carbajal and Gloria Esparza of GEO Group, a private organization that hires for correctional and detention centers were on hand to assist those where were interested in that field.
Camila Padron of the California Department of Public Health are looking to hire a Health Facilities Evaluator Nurse.
“We wanted to come out and tickle the ears of the nursing students. Many of them think they have to go to work in the hospitals right out of school,” said Padron.
Samantha Brown, District Manager of Social Services of LifeSteps said that her organization provides social services for people that live in affordable housing.
Cindy Phillips and Susan Bowman from Brighthouse Networks said that they were hiring Sales Reps and Installation Technicians in Bakersfield.
Stephanie, who is the hiring manager for Michael Kors in the Outlets at Tejon Ranch said that they were hiring part-time salespersons, part-time sales associates and part-time cashiers.
Susan Hoffmann, an Executive Unit Leader with Avon recruited several sales representatives.
Denise Crawford of BC Workability said that Career Day was a success. She counted 106 employers who had tables set up in various places in Campus Center, including the Fireside Room and the cafeteria.
“Everybody seems to be positive and the employers seem to be happy with the turnout,” said Crawford.
Virginia Martinez from Bolthouse Farms said that she thinks Career Day was successful and about 100 people had left their resumes with them.
The State of California Department of Water Resources got a lot of interest from individuals who wanted to leave their resume, but they only take applications and resumes online. Mike Sierra, one of their employees, said that they handed out about 200 fliers.
Albert Garza from Golden Empire Transit said that they did not take any applications but they let people know that they were hiring for Coach Operators, a Utility Worker and a Mechanic Trainee. They also handed out free bus passes and route information.
Many people who came to the event were dressed for interviews and had their resumes ready to hand to prospective employers.