Should the Career Center be directing American River College students to career fairs that require four-year degrees?
It’s a question many students are asking themselves.
On March 19, a person from the center’s Los Rios Internship Career Services (LINCS) sent out e-mails inviting ARC students to take part in the Maloof Sports & Entertainment Career Fair, taking place March 31 at the Power Balance Pavilion.
“Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with hiring managers and representatives from professional and collegiate sports teams and sports organizations from all over the Northern California region,” said the mass e-mail sent to students in the Career Center’s system.
The fair was publicized as an ideal opportunity for anyone who has ever dreamed of launching a career in the sports industry to finally get one step closer to his or her goal.
Six teams sent representatives to the fair; the Sacramento Kings, Golden State Warriors, Portland Trailblazers, Oakland Raiders, San Jose Earthquakes, and the Reno Big Horns.
Those in attendance, however, discovered the teams were only accepting resumés from individuals who had a bachelor’s degree, a fact that wasn’t mentioned in the e-mail and left some people unhappy and confused.
“You don’t need a degree to sell tickets,” said 25-year-old Chris Tran, a former ARC student who attended the event.
When brought to the attention of Connie Ayala, LINCS program coordinator for ARC and the person who received the original career fair e-mail from the organizers, she declined to comment for the article. However, the e-mail she received from the Maloofs Sports & Career Fair did not mention the four-year degree requirement either.
In order to attend the March 31 career fair, individuals were required to pay one of two admission fees. The first package cost $17.50 while the second package cost $39.50 and included a ticket to the Kings’ game that night.
The Career Center at American River College was created for students who are seeking help with finding a job during and after college.
It provides services that include resumé building and internship opportunities. It also shares announcements about upcoming career fairs.
The Career Center is open Monday, Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. and on Tuesdays and Wednesday from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Additional reporting by Sarah Vorn.
