Evan Fennell, 18, said she’s always felt outspoken in life. Wednesday, she put aside her business aspirations and went to the KZLA radio station’s booth at EC’s Sixth Annual Internship Fair. After speaking to a recruiter about pursuing broadcast journalism, Fennell now has a broader outlook on her career.
“It (the Internship Fair) helped me learn from people who are doing what you’re interested in,” Fennell said. “It’s better than spending time in the class and becoming disappointed with it.”
Every year, EC hosts an internship fair open to 40 to 50 businesses looking to dispense information and job experience to prospective employees, EC internship coordinator Donald Ward said.
Ward said internships are dual-faceted, in that employees would benefit from the experience, while employers have to spend less time paying for employee training.
“It’s a win-win for both employer and students,” Ward said.
Vicki Pepper, a KZLA programming assistant for three and half years, started as an intern and worked her way up to her current position.
“This is a great way to meet people in the ‘real world,'” Pepper said. “I tell people that working in radio beats a real job.”
Ward said he believes every student should go to the internship fair because of the opportunity to network with professionals in various industries.
“(Networking) is more than a powerful tool- it’s a basic building block in your job search,” Ward said.
If Fennell gets the internship, she would not be the first EC student to gain a full-time career from the Internship Fair. Last year, EC graduate Mago Perez, human resources major, stopped by the L.A. Marriott booth for information and got an internship. Perez now has a full-time position working with the Marriott, Diana Dabul, human resources specialist for the Marriott, said.
If you missed the Internship Fair, don’t fret – EC will have another fair in April, at which internships as well as employment opportunities will be offered to students, Ward said.
“When you graduate you have this experience on your resume. And in some cases, you should get paid. That’s not bad either,” Ward said.
