By Brittany Vinson

Staff Writer 

Brookhaven College and the Farmers Branch Chamber of Commerce joined forces to host the first biannual Career Fair and Business Expo. The new event was held Oct. 8 in T Building.

Marilyn Lynch, Brookhaven associate vice president, said the initial idea for the Career Development Center and the City of Farmers Branch Chamber of Commerce to collaborate came from Dr. Thom Chesney, Brookhaven president. This is the first time Brookhaven has partnered with Farmers Branch to put on the career fair, Lynch said.

The partnership formed because many individuals at Brookhaven are connected to the community and believe such a collaboration can be beneficial, Lynch said.

Exposure to potential employers, introduction to community businesses, internship opportunities and information about the chamber are a few examples of possible benefits, Lynch said.

Jasmine Cook, a student volunteer at the career fair, had some free time to browse the job opportunities available. Cook, who has attended Brookhaven’s previous career fairs held in S Building, said the move to T Building was a great choice for the event.

Camille Choice, administrative assistant for the City of Farmers Branch Chamber of Commerce, said: “The gymnasium had plenty of space for the businesses and vendors. I believe all participants made great connections to increase company awareness, clientele and employment.”

Yolanda Bowman, business leader developer for Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas, said the fair and expo was what she expected from a first-time event, although she expected a higher student turnout.

Among the 80 local employers hiring for full- and part time positions were the Dallas Police Department, Mad Science, InTouch Credit Union and Valvoline. Denise Guillory, a University of Phoenix graduate, was dressed in business attire with résumés in hand.

Guillory said she was looking to work for a university. She spoke with representatives from Argosy University and the Hyatt Regency Dallas, which did not have positions she was interested in.

But as she continued her job search, Guillory said she was glad to see some of the opportunities she was looking for. The Career Development Center has two career fairs per year– one each semester. Choice said she believes the Chamber would be thrilled to be a part of the Spring 2016 Career Fair and Business Expo (pending official approval).

Current and former students, as well as members of the community seeking job opportunities, can visit the Career Development Center in room S065 Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., or call 972-860-4894. Job postings are updated regularly.