Students receive prime internship and job opportunities through DSU

This is a paid piece sponsored by Dakota State University

From the second they step on campus to the moment they walk across the graduation stage, college students have one goal in mind – to graduate and secure a full-time job.

That road often leads to the annual DSU Career and Internship Fair, which has been matching students with professional opportunities for more than a decade.

This year, it will be held Oct. 9. But it’s what leads up to the big day that truly gives students an advantage.

The DSU Career Fest, which kicked off Aug. 28 and runs until the Career Fair, offers weeks of preparation, advice and help with the soft skills employers increasingly are demanding.

For instance, on Sept. 15, DSU students were invited to JC Penney at The Empire Mall for the “JC Penney Suit-Up” event. During a time when the department store was closed to the public, employees helped students and alumni with new professional attire.

“It gave students a chance to purchase professional clothing at a discounted price,” said Debra Roach, director of career and professional development.

“In the upcoming weeks, EmBe will host a “Dress for Success,” to help young women select an interview outfit, completely free of charge.”

DSU also offers to connect students with local barbers and stylists.

Other Career Fest activities include multiple workshops where students can review and polish their resumes and portfolios.

DSU also will host a “Network with Alumni and Business Professionals” social, courtesy of the Sioux Falls Development Foundation. During this time, students can speak with business professionals and get tips on networking, questions to ask employers, and how to navigate their internship or position.

Then it’s time for the big day. The DSU Career & Internship Fair will be Oct. 9 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the DSU Fieldhouse.

“You’re able to visit many booths throughout the day and connect with numerous people,” said Max Cruse, a DSU alum and current graduate student. “It really allows you to get a feel for what the companies do and helps you determine if you’d like to work there.”

Roach recommends that students attend the career fair regardless of their current year in school.

“Employers from all over come and speak with students from all of our colleges,” she said, “There will be 78 different employers this year, consisting of banks, IT departments, marketing groups, advertising agencies, and government and private agencies – there’s something for everyone.”

Dozens of businesses from Sioux Falls and beyond will be attending:

  • 1st Financial Bank USA
  • Agtegra Cooperative
  • Anchorage
  • Avera
  • BankWest
  • Billion Auto
  • Blend Interactive
  • Bulldog Media Group
  • CAPITAL Services
  • Carsforsale.com
  • Caterpillar
  • CCL Healthcare
  • Clear Ridge Defense
  • CliftonLarsonAllen LLP
  • CoinLion
  • Collins Aerospace
  • CPSI
  • Cyber Climb
  • Dacotah Bank
  • Dakota State University- Graduate Office
  • Dakotaland Federal Credit Union
  • Daktronics
  • Datavision, LLC
  • Discovery Benefits
  • East River Electric
  • Federated Insurance
  • First PREMIER Bank /PREMIER Bankcard
  • Fishback Financial Corporation
  • Furniture Mart
  • Hills Hospitality
  • Horizon Health
  • Hurley and Associates
  • Idaho National Laboratory-Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC
  • Innovative Systems, LLC
  • Interstates
  • Kansas Bureau of Investigation
  • KBR – South Dakota
  • Los Alamos National Laboratory
  • ManTech International Corporation
  • Marco
  • Midco
  • National Information Solutions Coop
  • Navy Cyber Warfare Development Group
  • New York Life Insurance Company
  • North Star Mutual Insurance Company
  • Northwestern Mutual
  • NTT Security
  • Omnitech
  • Pinnacle Productions
  • Plains Commerce Bank
  • POET
  • Profile by Sanford
  • Query.AI
  • Raven
  • Sandhills Global
  • Sanford-General Division
  • Sanford-IT Department
  • SBS Cyber Security
  • SDN Communications
  • Secunetics
  • Sherwin Williams
  • South Dakota Bureau of Information and Telecommunications
  • State of SD – Office of Attorney General
  • SWWC
  • The MIL Corporation
  • The MITRE Corporation
  • The Schwan’s Company
  • Total Card
  • Unified Judicial Systems
  • Unify Consulting
  • U.S. Department of Homeland Security
  • Vantage Point Solutions
  • Wells Fargo
  • Western Area Power Admin
  • Woltman Group

Cruse, who is set to graduate with his Master of Computer Science in the summer of 2020, encourages students to attend so they can grow professional connections and form relationships with potential employers.

One participating employer, Midco, is excited to meet students and showcase its extraordinary opportunities, which include careers in software development, information technology and networking, project management and supply chain.

“Midco is a place where team members are valued and rewarded for their contributions. We offer competitive internships that help students cultivate the skills needed for their career,” said Patti Hawkey, director of talent acquisition and planning.

Midco’s comprehensive intern program includes dedicated mentor support, networking events with company leadership, a CEO roundtable session, social media and personal brand awareness workshops and volunteer activities.

“We’ve designed our program to prepare interns for a meaningful career,” Hawkey said, “We want students who have a strong desire to learn, great communication skills, and a high standard for quality service and ethics. They’ll build on their talents, learn new skills, and work on projects independently and as part of a team.”

There is still opportunity for businesses to participate in the event, which offers the chance to grow their brand on the DSU campus and increase interest from talent.

To learn more, click here. 

All the preparation pays off for students such as Cruse.

“I was able to land an internship with a company who attended the fair,” he said. “After my initial year with them, I continued the internship and am still working there part-time.”

And he’s clearly learned well, based on his advice for fellow students:

“Students should be fully prepared a day or two before,” he said. “Make sure your resume is in tip-top shape, print it, and plan your outfit. You never know when an opportunity for an interview will arise. So being prepared is the best thing you can do for yourself and the employer.”

For tips on how to prepare for a career fair, please visit the following:

Questions to Ask at a Career Fair

How to Follow Up After a Career Fair

30 Prep Tips for Job Interview Success

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Students receive prime internship and job opportunities through DSU

In a few weeks, DSU will hold its annual Career and Internship Fair. But it’s what leads up to the big day that truly gives students an advantage.

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