I helped staff a careerbuilder job fair today at the Reagan building. I didn’t really know what I was getting myself into. I was warned it was going to be draining, but also a lot of fun. To be honest, I didn’t really know what to expect. I got an idea, when the line to get into the fair was over 150 deep before the doors even opened.
Once the fair opened its door, the 12 companies looking to hire were inundated. At one point, I think we had over 100 people waiting in line to learn more about our jobs.
Most of the folks I met were looking for a job, any job. They came from all walks of life and had all sorts of experience and skills. I think I personally shook hands with over 250 people today. At the end of the afternoon, my legs were sore and my throat was raw.
My experience today game me a glimpse of how the economic meltdown is effecting real people. I’m truly lucky to have a job at a great organization that cares about its staff. My association is one of the few organizations that grew this year by adding almost 20 new jobs. We currently have around 15 open positions, ranging from IT, finance, administrative and investments. I felt good being able to steer folks to our openings, and possibly giving them hope of finding a job at a great organization.
The ironic part of the job fair was the company located in the booth next to ours. It was my former employer. I could write for hours and pages about my experience there… To keep it short, working for an investor owned utility and then moving to a not-for-profit opened my eyes. I don’t think I can ever go back to work for a company more focused on its shareholders return than its customers and/or its employees.
I’m truly blessed to have a job I love at an organization that cares about its employees and the community its in. I’m going to redouble my efforts and really try to make a bigger difference at work and in my community.