1,800 job opportunities up for grabs at the AUC employment fair
The career advising and placement services office (CAPS) at the American University in Cairo (AUC) is gearing students up for more than 1800 job opportunities being offered at the May 9 employment fair.
The largest employment fair in the region, the AUC employment fair is a 22-year old biannual tradition. This year is expected to be the biggest in AUC history, with more than 140 participating companies representing industries such as IT, education and banking.
At the fair, students will be given the opportunity to learn more about the job market and what awaits them after graduation.
“The fair acts as a job market barometer in the sense that it provides an overview of the job market and the hiring needs,” said Maha Fakhry, director of recruitment services at CAPS.
CAPS has been working closely with the students to ensure they are getting the most out of the event and students are encouraged to get their resumes together and prepare themselves for the day.
“It’s a good opportunity to meet a variety of professionals in the field and get a view of the professional world,” said Joseph Michael, a political science junior.
“I encourage senior students to [get] their resumes ready, pick-up a copy of the fair booklet, go through it and decide which companies they are interested in and which opportunities they would like [to get] the maximum benefit from the event,” said Fakhry.
CAPS will also be hosting a fair preparation booth on April 30 on the Falaki campus, where students can get a quick five-minute critique of their resumes or make an appointment for a one-on-one assessment.
Some students feel the fair is just a way for companies to market their name because jobs that are available through the fair are also available to the public.
For Amir El-Shawan, a graduating senior, the last fair was a disappointment. There were too many companies, he said, and representatives were unable to answer simple questions about their available positions.
“There are so many booths, and everyone is giving you a mouse pad or pen to promote their company name,” said El-Shawan.
“The myth is that companies are coming to market themselves. The truth is that there is a ‘fight for talent’ and companies are building their image as an employer of choice among potential career hires to attract students and alumni to apply,” said Fakhry.
A fair booklet will be available at the CAPS office May 5-8 to all AUC students and alumni. The booklet will include company profiles and the various career opportunities that will be available at the fair. Both students and alumni are also encouraged to visit the office in the Youssef El-Guindy building to get career placement advice and ask questions.
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