Hospitality Job Fair Offers Students a Myriad of Opportunities

By Elizabeth Borelli

In an economic climate that is often unkind to young job searchers, looking for the right job — or any job — can be incredibly stressful and disheartening. To make the process easier on PGCC students, the Hospitality and Tourism Institute and Career and Job Services teamed up on February 25 to hold a job fair specifically geared toward students interested in hospitality, seasonal, or culinary careers.

Companies represented included The Country Club at Woodmore, Wegman Food Markets, Peachez Café and Lounge, and even Six Flags. According to Step-Hi Hospitality Grant Director Vonzell Mattocks, many of the companies in attendance weren’t simply looking to employ students in desk jobs; some of them are hiring 400 to 500 positions including plumbers, servers, and cooks. The Ridgewell Catering Company, for example, is hiring for 400 positions as servers, cooks, planners, and coordinators.

“I find it inspiring that there are just so many opportunities, and it really is a learning experience just talking to all these people and seeing what’s available,” said PGCC student Lamarq Bailey. Statistically speaking, the hospitality industry is a good place to start. Annually, this industry pays more than $1.6 trillion in wages and creates 12.5 million new jobs, more than 1,000 of which could be applied for at the job fair. With such booming business, it’s no wonder the hospitality and culinary arts programs here at PGCC have taken a boost in enrollment.

Also in attendance were representatives for the Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation, promoting the One-Stop Career Center. This resource provides computers, resume help, and job postings for college students. PGCC student Wayne Toombs said that he found their attendance extremely helpful, because “I need a desk job — that kind of lifestyle. I don’t want to work in foods, and most of the other companies here are offering food-related jobs.” Well, the One-Stop Career Center can help him find that job. All you need is your resume and a can-do attitude.