According to Mike Krapfl, of ISU News Service, some job sectors, such as engineering, are growing at a pace causing employers to scramble to find students, rather than the other way around. As part of E week, the College of Engineering hosted mass interviews on Wednesday as a follow-up to the Engineering Career Fair.
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Deb Blaser, executive administrative director at Clear Lake-based Kingland Services, said her company exemplifies the edge that a smaller, more local company has over its multinational counterparts.
"Working for us gives employees the opportunity to take on responsibilities and customize their career path," she said.
Kingland is billed as a leader in providing complex business and business technology solutions.
"Clearly, living and working in Iowa creates a strong sense of community. And in terms of cultural amenities, we tell prospects we're halfway between Des Moines and Minneapolis, and commute times to the heart of the action could be less than they'd experience in New York City."
Recruiters from the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City Technology Corridor had no qualms about luring ISU students into Hawkeye territory. Spokesperson Eric Hanson said the area has generated 1,400 new private-sector jobs in the past year, and a recent business survey documented healthy growth in the corridor.
"That's what's good about Iowa," said Hanson. "The economy has enough diversity that when one part gets weak, the bubble doesn't burst."
Like most recruiters, Hanson demonstrated a comprehensive, multimedia approach to enlisting prospects, including a short "slice of life" video, an e-newsletter, and even tips on interviewing and self-promotion.
"We try to bridge the gap between school and employment," he said. "There are some skills related to employment even professors can't teach."
For example, Hanson said, it's sometimes necessary to look beyond the impression a company gives with its name and logo to find the right job.
John Deere, the iconic manufacturer of agricultural equipment based in Moline, Ill., will continue to have a strong Iowa presence well into the future, according to Supply Manager Pete Thompson. He summed up the company's optimism in one word: Ethanol.
"Our engineers are remodeling equipment to keep up with new engine design standards. Ethanol is creating jobs not just in engineering and manufacturing, but also in training, materials, management and accounting," he said
Recruiters from the financial sector said they're bracing for growth, not in spite of recent bad news, but because of it.
The team from KPMG, a multinational financial consultancy with an office in Des Moines, said tighter regulations and higher levels of scrutiny will require more professionals to do the work.
The throng of eager recruiters could give students the false impression that all they need to do is show up with a degree, according to Blaser. But employers are looking for more than technical skills, she said.
"We're looking for people who are outgoing enough to be comfortable taking the lead, who present themselves well, who are grounded in analytical and critical thinking and who can be flexible in diverse situations."
Erin Tunis of Iowa-based transportation leader Ruan said, "Even the fact that a student worked her way through school can make her resume rise to the top."
Several recruiters said since local and regional companies often have a global presence, students should develop skills in multicultural interaction.
ISU's Career Fairs helped students prepare for jobs in a global economy with workshops on diversity teamwork, as well as sessions on more general topics like interviewing skills, tips on approaching and following up with employers, and writing resumes.
Tunis said taking advantage of learning opportunities at the career fair is a great way to start a resume.
"It's a sign of leadership. And employers are watching."
