Part-Time-Job Luau Slated for Its Biggest Year Yet

The Student Union Plaza is about to become a lot more colorful, as the Career Development Center’s 18th annual Part-Time-Job Luau gets underway Thursday, August 29, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.*

Representatives from more than 60 companies will be on campus to recruit students for part-time jobs and paid internships, including luau newcomers Amazon, the Buffalo Bills, Cabelas, and Bass Pro Shops. On-campus employment opportunities will also be offered through Chartwell’s Dining Services and the Buffalo State Performing Arts Center at Rockwell Hall.

Lynn Rogers, employer relations specialist and senior career counselor in the Career Development Center, has coordinated the luau since 2007 and has seen the event continue to grow.

“Last year we had 58 companies, and the year before that we only had about 40,” she said. “This year is the biggest event we’ve had yet.”

Good news for commuter students, too: the luau will include job offerings not only within the city of Buffalo but also across Western New York, in areas like Depew, East Aurora, Getzville, Lancaster, and Orchard Park, among others.

In addition to prospective employers, the luau will also feature food, giveaways, and, new to this year’s event, a photo booth with luau-themed props.

“The atmosphere is meant to be fun and casual so that students aren’t intimidated when approaching potential employers,” Rogers said.

Although the job fair will be informal, there are ways students can prepare themselves to confidently and professionally interact with potential employers.

“I would recommend going to your first table as a practice run,” Rogers said. “Maybe speak with a representative from a company you don’t plan to apply for just so that you can get the initial nerves out of the way.”

Rogers also recommends that students bring extra copies of their résumés and develop a plan for which tables they want to visit within the time frame of the luau. Additionally, she noted, attending the luau can help to prepare students for the Spring Job and Internship Fair in 2020, which is typically more formal.

Campus administrators, including President Katherine Conway-Turner and Vice President for Student Affairs Timothy Gordon, will also be in attendance to interact with current students as well as recruiters, many of whom are Buffalo State alumni.

A notable feature of the luau is that it not only connects students with job and internship opportunities, but it also brings the entire campus together in numerous ways.

“The luau is not the effort of the Career Development Center alone,” Rogers said. “Faculty and staff from departments all across campus volunteer and help to put this event together each year.

“Members of the women’s lacrosse team help to set up tables before the event, so it’s a way for them to give back to the campus as well.”

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*In the event of rain, the Part-Time Job Luau will take place in the Campbell Student Union Social Hall instead of in the plaza.