News Summary
Florida A&M University recently organized a career expo aimed at connecting students with local employers as the unemployment rate in Leon County reaches 4.7%. The event attracted numerous companies and emphasized the importance of networking for students across all majors. Local law enforcement and alumni also participated, offering insights into career paths. Despite previous challenges with turnout due to weather, feedback indicated a successful and well-organized expo, highlighting the need for more career opportunities for students.
Tallahassee – In response to the increasing unemployment in Leon County, Florida A&M University (FAMU) recently hosted a successful career expo aimed at connecting students with job opportunities and local employers. The unemployment rate in Leon County has risen to 4.7%, the highest point since 2021, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. As the local economy faces challenges, this event has proven to be vital for aspiring professionals.
The career expo at FAMU is noted as one of the largest in the region, drawing numerous local and national companies looking to recruit new talent. The expo provided a platform for students across all majors to dress for success and network with potential employers. Participants, including students like pharmacy major DeAndre Smith, recognized the event’s importance for establishing a career path early by connecting with industry leaders.
Tamara K. Taylor, the director of the Career and Professional Development Center at FAMU, emphasized the significance of linking students with career opportunities within the community. Alumni who have secured leadership roles returned to the campus to motivate current students, sharing their professional journeys and offering valuable insights into career planning.
Local law enforcement representatives, such as Lt. Damon Miller from the Tallahassee Police Department, articulated the importance of hiring local talent to bolster the workforce in Tallahassee. This year’s career fair opened doors to various internship opportunities across multiple industries, accommodating a diverse range of students aiming to enhance their employability.
Despite having a smaller turnout in spring fairs in previous years, the feedback regarding this expo was overwhelmingly positive. Attendees appreciated the well-organized event that provided ample opportunities for interaction and engagement with employers. Students like Tyler Pye took advantage of the expo to practice their presentation skills and explore options in the logistics sector.
Historically, FAMU has faced challenges that affected its career fairs, including interruptions caused by severe weather events like a snowstorm and Hurricane Heliene, which led to cancellations. Nevertheless, the university remains dedicated to facilitating connections between students and employers within the community, ensuring that students are equipped with the necessary resources to embark on their professional journeys.
Feedback from students suggested that more frequent career fairs could enhance their chances of finding relevant employment opportunities. Attendees also expressed interest in surveys to gauge the demand for specific employers at future events, indicating a collective desire for more targeted and frequent career-related initiatives.
The successful career expo underscores FAMU’s commitment to addressing the rising unemployment in Leon County while providing students with opportunities to build meaningful professional networks. As the landscape of employment continues to evolve, events like this play a crucial role in preparing the next generation of professionals for their careers.
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Additional Resources
- Tallahassee.com: Leon County Schools Closure
- Wikipedia: Career Fair
- The Famuan: JCPenney Suit-Up Event
- Google Search: Unemployment Leon County Florida
- Tallahassee.com: FAMU Career Expo
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Unemployment
- The Famuan: FAMU Annual Career Expo
- Google News: FAMU Career Fair
Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER
The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
