STC career expo offers students, alumni opportunities
STC Business student Maximo Perez was named a front runner for a safety technician position in the Dallas/Fort Worth area with Holt Cat during STC’s annual Career Expo.
Employer and Career Services at South Texas College connects students, alumni and employers during the department’s annual Career Expo, and for many students like Maximo Perez, the Expo kickstarts a career.
The 32-year-old shook hands with Holt Cat’s Corporate Recruiter Jose Hernandez, one of at least 80 employers at the Expo, as he was named a front runner for a safety technician position in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.
Hernandez, a long-time recruiter for the heavy equipment and engine dealer, said Perez’s resume and professionalism were impressive.
“I already called our regional manager and told him he had to speak with this young man,” said Hernandez. “There is an interview for him with our company soon that could lead to possible employment. He’s the type of person we need…he has the experience and qualities we are looking for. Expos like these always connect us to our best talent.”
The STC online Business student’s resume lists at least five years’ experience in safety and other related industries, but said he ventured back into the classroom to become a more well-rounded professional.
This is my first time in college…so all of this is new to me. I want an education in business because that is a skill needed everywhere, by everyone. I even hope someday, in the future, to open my own business. STC is helping me get there.
“This is my first time in college…so all of this is new to me,” said the Rio Grande City native. “I want an education in business because that is a skill needed everywhere, by everyone. I even hope someday, in the future, to open my own business. STC is helping me get there.”
With a certificate in business on the horizon, Perez said he is grateful to STC for giving students opportunities like the Career Expo.
“This is amazing. It connects us with people we may never meet when we’re on the journey toward starting our careers,” he said. “Holt Cat is a great company and a great lead. I’m excited for what’s to come. This is going to give me and my family a better life, better opportunities.”
Many of the employers that students and alumni got to meet during the expo also came from out-of-state - like Tiffany Crutchfield, senior trooper recruiter for Oregon Department of State Police, who ventured out of her region because STC students and graduates came highly recommended by other institutions and companies across Texas.
“Oregon state police just started recruiting in Texas and during a meeting with a career service representative from Texas Woman’s University, STC’s caliber of law enforcement recruits was praised,” said Crutchfield. “Now I spend most of time recruiting in South Texas.”
She said STC’s Career Expo is allowing her to familiarize students with career opportunities out of the state, opening their eyes to other possibilities.
“I’m taking it slow and really just educating students right now,” she said. “Moving to another state is a major life change, I get that, but I also see the talent that is right here at STC…their passion is contagious. I can’t wait to grow this partnership with the college.”
STC alumni even return to recruit at the annual expo because they know firsthand the type of talent that STC produces.
“It feels great being back. It’s been a few years,” said STC Psychology alumna Heidi Torres, who is now a Child Fund International school liaison. “STC has a diverse group of students, from every walk of life, and with the skills and hands-on training they get here at STC, it creates a perfect candidate for us.”
Child Fund International helps children facing poverty among other challenges in 24 countries, including the United States, and at the Expo collaborated with AmeriCorps, an independent agency of the U.S. government that engages more than five million Americans in service through a variety of stipend volunteer work programs in many sectors.
“I started as a service member of AmeriCorps, which led to my career with Child Fund International,” said Torres. “We have so many opportunities for those looking for a career that helps others and I encourage STC students and graduates to think big.”
Jose Moreno, STC coordinator of Career and Employer Services, called this year’s Career Expo a success. He said it was win-win for all.
“There was a little bit of everything for everyone. From health care and technology to law enforcement and education, there were numerous disciplines represented,” he said. “Employers and students had the opportunity to connect and network, while STC had the chance build upon our industry partnerships while advocating for our students. It was a success.”
STC’s Career and Employer Services empowers students and alumni to connect their academic experience with career success through resume building, mock interviews, career coaching and internship and job placement, in addition to various workshops and networking events throughout the year.
For more information on the services offered through STC’s Career and Employer Services, visit studentservices.southtexascollege.edu/careerservices.