Career Fair Brought Jobseekers, Employers Together

Finding a job in this economy is often easier said than done.

Just ask Priscilla Lugo. She’s been looking for one for more than a year now. Lugo was among the many people who attended last week’s career fair at in Land O’ Lakes.

“It’s tough out there,” said Lugo, who has worked in payroll, human resources, accounts receivable and other fields in the past.

Lugo said most days she spends about five hours looking online for jobs.So far, she hasn't had any luck.

Despite the obstacles, she’s not willing to give up and she said she’s working hard to keep her attitude positive.

“I know that it’s hard for a lot of people,” she said.

That’s one of the reasons why Rasmussen opened up its Land O’ Lakes campus to 30 hiring employers, students and the general public Aug. 25.

Sheila Stiles, the career services adviser for both the Land O’ Lakes and New Port Richey Rasmussen campuses, said the college plays host to two career fairs annually on each of its campuses. Since the Land O’ Lakes campus just opened, the recent fair was a first-time event. With that in mind, Stiles was unsure what the turnout would be like.

She was pleasantly surprised.

“It’s been steady,” Stiles said. “I’m very pleased.”

Employers were also impressed with the turnout.

“It’s been fairly busy,” said Jaque Smythe of Aflac insurance. “We’re hiring for local agents.”

The next career fair would normally be scheduled in February, but Stiles said it’s possible one will be held sooner because of the reception.