All students chose three jobs that interested them before the job fair. Egypt Cesar, a freshman at Westchester Community College, interviewed for an internship at White Plains Public Access TV.
“I want to be a director, and I interviewed the director for a college project. They said the best way to get into the business is by who you know,” she said.
White Plains Public Access has had interns work part-time jobs at the television station and stay on for years, said Keith Baker, production coordinator for the station. He said one even went on to work for the “Daily Show With John Stewart.”
“It’s good for the kids, it’s good for us,” Jim Kenny, executive director of White Plains Public Access, said.
Cesar said she participated in another Youth Bureau program last October that prepares students to work in retail, which helped her land a season job soon after at Toys R Us.
“The Youth Bureau has a lot of programs to get them this far and get their resume done,” she said.
For younger students, like Arman Kabir, a sophomore at White Plains High School, the job fair helps build confidence. Kabir said he got nervous on his first interview but calmed down once he realized the process isn’t as hard as he thought.
“It’s a good thing I didn’t go for my favorite one first,” he said.
Christian Schiavone, 15, said, “It’s a good way to get yourself out there.”
Daniel Pellegrin, 20, said he preferred handing his resume to potential employers in person rather than submitting it online.
Nicholas Foy, 16, said he thinks the opportunity to interview and see what’s out there is a great opportunity, even if students don’t get the job. He was looking for an administrative assistant job.
“I think it’s a good opportunity for young adults to come and explore something they may want to pursue later in life,” he said.
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