More than 20 local businesses set up shop on Hardin-Simmon's campus Wednesday afternoon, to bring the job search straight to the students.
The annual event is a team effort between all of Abilene's universities -- and comes at a time when jobs are needed all around.
"We always have students who are looking for jobs this time of year as the school year kicks off and they need that part time job to get their extra spending money or help pay tuition," said Kelley Wood, Director of Career Services at Hardin-Simmons University.
Hardin-Simmons, McMurry, Abilene Christian University and the West Central Texas Career Consortium joined forces to host the job fair Wednesday afternoon, bringing in nearly two dozen local businesses ready to hire.
And for out-of-work students like Zachary Williams, it comes at just the right time.
"It's kind of put me in a bad position, but i know god's been taking care of me," said Williams.
Junior Dillon Chafin happens to be in the exact same situation.
Both students were working part-time jobs when their employers decided they needed full-time workers -- and unexpectedly laid them off last week.
So now, the search begins.
"I love ministry, that's where my heart's at, it's something i'll be happy doing every day, but if I can find something to pay the bills, bills sometimes come first," explained Williams.
"I'm getting married next summer, so I have to start saving money for that and put my priorities into perspective," said Chafin.
Students filled out paperwork, passed out resumes and met with potential employers all afternoon long -- all hoping for any work to come their way.
For new places in town like Cattle Baron Cafe, it's a perfect way to both get their name out there -- and recruit.
"We're hoping to find a good mix of students with experience to be able to provide great service," said Douglas Brown of the Cattle Baron Cafe.
Eager students, enthusiastic businesses, and hopefully, a job or two out of the mix.
Several students also told us the best part about the job fair was saving on gas money by not having to drive around town looking for work.
Organizers say more than a hundred students stopped by Wednesday afternoon.
The annual event is a team effort between all of Abilene's universities -- and comes at a time when jobs are needed all around.
"We always have students who are looking for jobs this time of year as the school year kicks off and they need that part time job to get their extra spending money or help pay tuition," said Kelley Wood, Director of Career Services at Hardin-Simmons University.
Hardin-Simmons, McMurry, Abilene Christian University and the West Central Texas Career Consortium joined forces to host the job fair Wednesday afternoon, bringing in nearly two dozen local businesses ready to hire.
And for out-of-work students like Zachary Williams, it comes at just the right time.
"It's kind of put me in a bad position, but i know god's been taking care of me," said Williams.
Junior Dillon Chafin happens to be in the exact same situation.
Both students were working part-time jobs when their employers decided they needed full-time workers -- and unexpectedly laid them off last week.
So now, the search begins.
"I love ministry, that's where my heart's at, it's something i'll be happy doing every day, but if I can find something to pay the bills, bills sometimes come first," explained Williams.
"I'm getting married next summer, so I have to start saving money for that and put my priorities into perspective," said Chafin.
Students filled out paperwork, passed out resumes and met with potential employers all afternoon long -- all hoping for any work to come their way.
For new places in town like Cattle Baron Cafe, it's a perfect way to both get their name out there -- and recruit.
"We're hoping to find a good mix of students with experience to be able to provide great service," said Douglas Brown of the Cattle Baron Cafe.
Eager students, enthusiastic businesses, and hopefully, a job or two out of the mix.
Several students also told us the best part about the job fair was saving on gas money by not having to drive around town looking for work.
Organizers say more than a hundred students stopped by Wednesday afternoon.
