Engineering fair bringing over 50 employers to campus
Riverside, Calif. (Oct. 10, 2023) – The Career Center at California Baptist University will host its second Engineering Fair on Oct. 11 in the Dennis and Carol Troesh Engineering Building.
The fair welcomes over 50 employers to campus seeking applicants pursuing careers in engineering and other STEM fields. The event is 3-6 p.m. in the Project Hall of the Engineering Building.
We asked a few employers about how their industry is changing and how CBU students can fill the gap and meet the needs of the varied and fast-growing STEM industries.
Jose Carillo, Fender, recruiting manager
What do you look for in applicants?
From an engineering perspective, the ideal candidates have experience with CNC (computerized numerical control) and with wood. Wood behaves a certain way in different environments after being treated a certain way, so coming with that kind of knowledge would go a very long way.
Why do you choose CBU students to work for your company?
They have been exposed to many of the types of machinery and engineering concepts currently used at Fender daily.
How is your industry changing?
There are always opportunities for automation within the plant. Any continuous improvement ideas that our engineers can develop are always welcome.
How do CBU students fill that gap?
As time goes on, more and more of our tenured employees are retiring from the workforce, so individuals who have a passion for Fender products and making this a long-term career where they will support and mentor the new generation of manufacturing is preferred.
Tim Erickson, KHS&S, personnel development manager
What do you look for in applicants?
At a high level, we are looking for applicants who have shown themselves to be quick learners, who are able to apply their knowledge successfully. We also are looking for people who like construction and the idea of seeing their work come to fruition on a job site.
Why do you choose CBU students to work for your company?
We are looking for go-getters who want to learn, grow and make a difference. I’ve met a number of CBU students who are like that, which is why we keep coming back. CBU has some strong programs in architecture and engineering.
How is your industry changing?
Our industry is changing with new technology and an aging field leadership workforce that doesn’t appear to have enough people long term to fill the gap. This means we need to improve our processes, adapt technology and figure out ways to do more with less. Innovative companies will have the edge in construction, which is what we do at KHS&S.
How do CBU students fill that gap?
CBU students can help fill that gap by applying their skills and desire to learn to identify and solve problems.
Sadie Wilson, Samaritan's Purse, program specialist in campus relations
What do you look for in applicants?
At Samaritan’s Purse, we are first and foremost looking for applicants who have a deep, personal relationship with Jesus. [Additionally,] applicants should be motivated to both serve others and to respond to those in crisis with compassionate action as well as to spread the gospel and love of God through utilizing their technical skills and abilities. After that, a few major skills we prioritize in internship and apprenticeship candidates are flexibility, resiliency, excellence, professionalism and teachability.
How is your industry changing?
In general, the disaster relief/humanitarian aid and development sector is not undergoing significant changes as far as I know. However, Samaritan’s Purse has experienced significant growth the last few years and is projected to continue doing so, so our need for a wide variety of talent has increased. For example, our IT department has greatly expanded and is using cutting-edge technology unlike most other non-profit organizations. Additionally, in a post-Christian culture, we are continually searching for students who have a sincere, bold faith.
How do CBU students fill that gap?
CBU students who boldly share the love of Christ and pursue excellence in their majors and fields are a great asset to the ministry of Samaritan’s Purse.