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Students open virtual door to real career prospects

March 01, 2006

Rhonda.thumb.jpgAn annual event that gives university students throughout Australia and New Zealand an opportunity to explore the graduate job market began today.

The Virtual Careers Fair (VCF) – an initiative of The University of New England – is an online, interactive meeting place for students and employers. This, the sixth annual VCF, continues till Friday 10 March. The VCF Web site is: www.vcf.graduatecareers.com.au.

Rhonda Leece, Manager of UNE’s Counselling and Careers Service and organiser of the VCF, said that by lunchtime today the Web site had attracted visits from hundreds of students at universities in every Australian State and Territory, and in New Zealand. “We’re very happy with the way it’s going,” she said, “and gratified by the level of support from employers, students, and other universities.” Last year, more than 18,500 students “attended” the VCF, and more than 90 employers from the public and private sectors took part. Ms Leece (pictured here) said she was expecting at least a similar level of participation this year.

She said the event had the backing of the majority of Australian and New Zealand tertiary institutions. “It gives students the ability to explore future employment options with employers,” she explained. “Students can attend forums run by expert presenters, participate in chat sessions, win door prizes, and play the ‘Virtual Interview’ game. Employers can participate interactively by hosting forums in a simple ‘chat room’ style.”

“Employers can advertise details such as their industry, the location of positions available, the types of degrees (and the skills) required, and application details,” she continued. “Additionally, their company logo and Web site can be profiled, testimonials from current graduate staff included, and electronic brochures made available.” Last year, almost 17,000 students accessed employer profiles.

Ms Leece pointed out that the VCF had its origin in the recognition that students at regional universities could be disadvantaged in the graduate recruitment market. “The event offers all students the ability to be exposed to the same opportunities, no matter what their location, schedule, or study mode,” she said. “This has particular importance for regional students, external students, and those metropolitan students who are unable to attend their own university’s ‘physical’ careers fair.”

The VCF has secured sponsorship and support from Graduate Opportunities, the premier resource for graduate employment, and Graduate Careers Australia, the official graduate Web site of Australia’s universities. It is endorsed by the National Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services.

For more information, phone Rhonda Leece on (02) 6773 3408.

Posted by Jim Scanlan at March 1, 2006 03:30 PM