(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Texas State Technical College recently welcomed more than 380 students and alumni as they filled the Industry Job Fair at TSTC’s Harlingen campus Thursday, Nov. 10.
The attendees were ready with their resumes and networked with more than 60 business and industry representatives from across Texas and the United States. The companies provided information on job opportunities and the qualifications they are seeking in potential candidates for employment.
“The goal was to emphasize our mission of ‘placing more Texans in high-paying jobs,’” said Kelly Guajardo, the event’s project manager and a TSTC Career Services representative. “To see the engagement between these employers and our students and alumni is amazing.”
Guajardo said it was rewarding to see the students’ professionalism.
“It’s fantastic to see them grow and implement the techniques Career Services has offered,” she said. “It’s not just about improving your resume. They put their resume to work, showcased their skills and dressed to impress. Most importantly, they did their research on the companies.”
Jessica Olivarez, a recruiter for Penske Truck Leasing in Spring, said the company has a need to fill part-time and full-time entry-level positions.
“Our company is seeking people that are energetic with the initiative to propel themselves,” she said. “One example is renting out our company vehicles for everyday consumers and commercial leasing. Whether you are starting as a technician or a rental representative, you are going to have those promotional opportunities. We want to make sure you are ready to be cross-trained.”
Guadalupe Pena, service manager for Holt Truck Centers in Weslaco, said the company is looking for entry-level technicians for heavy equipment such as excavators, trucks and other jobs. The company has locations throughout Texas.
“Our company is seeking individuals who have an excellent vocabulary, have knowledge about computers and know how to troubleshoot,” he said. “We diagnose everything for our work vehicles using a computer.”
Gloria Diaz, a recruiter for Archrock in Victoria, said the company wants to fill jobs for field service technicians.
“There is great traffic at this job fair,” she said. “I’m looking to hire serious people to fill jobs immediately.”
U.S. Marines veteran Joel Contreras, of Harlingen, is studying for an Associate of Applied Science degree in Wind Energy Technology. He said the job fair had a great turnout and his goal is to continue networking.
“It’s amazing to see many potential companies that are willing to hire many people who are seeking employment,” he said. “I’ve only met with a few potential employers, but I will find one that appeals to me.”
Iridian Gonzalez, of Harlingen, is studying for a certificate of completion in Emergency Medical Services – EMT and plans to continue for an Associate of Applied Science degree in the same program. She demonstrated an interest in a local hospital.
“A representative from the medical company said I can get hired in the emergency room as an emergency medical technician or as a certified nursing assistant,” she said. “It was great news to hear from an industry professional.”
TSTC plans to have another Industry Job Fair for students and alumni next spring.
For more information about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.
