Gordon Center to Host Career Fair

Capping off Career Week 1998, the Gordon Track and Tennis Center today will host the 17th Annual Career Forum and Study Abroad Fair.

Billed as an opportunity for students and recent alumni to investigate the academic and business opportunities beyond the gates of Harvard, the forum, sponsored by the Office of Career Services (OCS) will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

It will feature representatives from more than 160 corporations and firms. Dozens of summer job and study abroad programs will also be present.

Last night in Science Center B, William Wright-Swadel, director of OCS, offered a preview of today's activities to a crowd of almost 50--mostly seniors.

"The Career Forum is not a job shop," Wright-Swadel said. "We designed it for you to have an opportunity to engage companies and organizations in an educational dialogue."

Wright-Swadel's advice was followed by the week's keynote speech, delivered by Vice President of Fidelity Investment Bart Grenier, who addressed the stock market's effect on jobs today.

Students--many of whom said they are considering careers in financial planning or investment banking--listened intently to Grenier's words.

Luanda M. Williams '99, who was in the audience last night, said she will attend the fair today to examine her options.

"I don't have any concrete plans yet," she said. "But I would like to see what people have to offer."

Wright-Swadel urged the audience to explore all areas represented at the fair, noting that investment banks are aggressive and sometimes dominate the Career Forum.

Organizations from Disney to the Peace Corps will also be on hand with information on summer positions.

Gernot Wagner '02, who attended last night's speech, said he is hunting for summer internships that will allow him to pursue a career in international development. He said he hopes to spend time in a maturing nation this summer.

"I will look for an internship in sustaining a developing country, maybe someplace like Costa Rica," Wagner said. "It would be nice to set up something right now."

While most students said they are weighing long-term career options, others are looking for short-term positions that will provide them with fundamental skills for future jobs.

Brian J. Chan '99, who said he ultimately wants a career in medicine, is looking for experience in another field first.

He hopes to land a position in the technology industry, one that could enhance his medical career.

"It's a learning experience," he said. "That's what I'm looking for."

And Wright-Swadel encouraged students to approach the Career Forum as an educational opportunity.

"Many of you think this is an opportunity to network with corporations and fields you already know," Wright-Swadel said. "What we hope, as well, is that some of you will explore areas and industries you don't know about."

OCS staff will review students' resumes at the event from 10 to 12 a.m.

Fields that will be represented at the Career Forum include advertising, management, consulting, consumer products, investment banking, communications, media, public service, publishing and teaching.

"Engage," Wright-Swadel urged. "Most of the [representatives] are excited about the opportunity to learn more about students here."