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MORRISVILLE, NY—Some came with resumes in hand, ready to connect with employers about job opportunities and to discover ways to advance their careers. Others were seeking guidance about earning a college degree and the next steps they should take toward pursuing their career interests.

Excitement and enthusiasm filled Follett Hall during the Commerce Chenango College and Career Connection event, hosted recently at the Norwich Campus of Morrisville State College. 

More than 170 passed through the event—a job fair and college fair, under one roof. It was an opportunity for students and the public interested in learning what regional businesses, colleges and community partners have to offer for careers, academic programs and available job opportunities. 

“We are excited to bring together business, community and educational partners to form a network for students and the public to further their career and academic goals,” said Jason Zbock, Norwich Campus executive director. “We wanted to bring education together with businesses to help people see what is available in the Norwich area.” 

“This event is a place for people to explore local opportunities for fulfilling and rewarding work, and to make a plan to get skills and expertise. This applies to those in high school, just starting out, and to those already in the work force,” said Steve Craig, president and CEO of Commerce Chenango. 

Those who attended had a chance to meet with local employers about career paths and plans, learn about current openings, training and other information from more than 25 businesses and to talk with representatives from nine public and private colleges and universities. 

Kinzie McCumber was among 13 high school students from Gilbertsville-Mount Upton High School who attended the event. The 16-year-old Mount Upton resident came with a plan. Already taking BOCES classes in nursing, McCumber was gathering information about nursing courses she plans to take at the Norwich campus. 

“I will have my CNA license after BOCES so I can work and go to here (Norwich Campus) at the same time,” she said. 

Throughout the day there were special events including interview opportunities and workshops. 

Lindsey Lefevre, community outreach and admissions coordinator at the Norwich Campus, and Elizabeth Berry, assistant director of financial aid at MSC, hosted a workshop, “Find Cash for College,” which outlined steps to determine financial aid eligibility and how to increase scholarship potential.

Other workshops included “Finding a Balance between Academics and Fun in College,” “The Dos and Don’ts of Interviewing,” and “It’s Who You Know,” which featured the value and steps of connecting with individuals to learn about career options and/or for both immediate and future job searches.

Among the business representatives who attended the event was Colleen Barton, community education coordinator from Visions Federal Credit Union. Barton had a steady flow of participants at her table where she was handing out educational materials about creating a college budget, and promoting job opportunities in the company. 

It was a productive day for others too. 

“It’s important to show that there are employers in the community,” said Bill Berthel, human resource manager at Golden Artist Colors, Inc., in New Berlin. The company manufactures artist quality materials. 

“We want them to see that you don’t have to move out of the area to get good jobs,” said Jodi O’Dell, communications coordinator at Golden Artist Colors, Inc. 

During the event, Greg Ketcham, transfer credit evaluation specialist at Binghamton University, was fielding questions from a multitude of students who stopped by the university’s booth.

“It’s a novel concept and a great combination,” he said of the mix of colleges and universities that participated. “I’m very impressed overall, especially with the mix of high school and college students here. This is a top-notch fair.” 

And it can only get better. 

“We hope to continue to grow the fair every year and increase student participation,” Zbock said. 

The nine colleges on site were: Morrisville State College, SUNY Broome Community College, Binghamton University, Davis College, Herkimer County Community College, Mohawk Valley Community College, SUNY Cobleskill, SUNY Delhi, and TC3 Community College. 

Some of businesses that participated were: Fidelis Care, NBT Bank, Staffworks, DCMO BOCES, CDO Workforce, Chenango County Sheriff’s Office, Oneonta Job Corps, Golden Artist Colors, Commerce Chenango/America’s Best, Community Bank and Townsquare Radio. 

Morrisville State College’s curricula are enriched with applied learning and pave the way for opportunity at both the Morrisville and Norwich campuses. An action-oriented, interactive learning lab, the college is a national leader in technology and has been lauded for its exemplary, innovative and effective community service programs. 

The college was ranked among the Best Regional Colleges in the North by U.S. News and World Report Best Colleges 2016 issue and was also recognized in the Top Public Schools, Regional Colleges North in the 2016 Best Colleges rankings.