April 18, 2024

The PEC was filled with rows of tables featuring businesses and careers located in Rockford. The Hosting Career and Internship Fair was a wonderful opportunity for students looking for careers associated with their major or certificate degree.

Picture taken by Becca Russell
RVC Career Fair; picture taken by Becca Russell

It is constantly said by community members, RVC faculty, and those who attend that RVC is a great college to attend in order to determine what profession one wishes to pursue. With its numerous programs dedicated to student success, this college works with community based jobs that sponsor students and encourage applications depending on their career path.

Picture by Kayley Kaja
RFD representatives; picture taken by Kayley Kaja

One table present was the Rockford Fire Department, represented by fire recruiter Jeff Kloweit and inspector Sonny Chanthaphone. The RFD has an extensive hiring process where an average of 700-800 people between the ages 19 and 21 apply for a limited number of positions on the team. Many of these individuals are honorably discharged military members with a high school diploma or GED. They must be a U.S. citizen and have a valid driver’s license, with no felony convictions. If a candidate has a Fire Science Degree from RVC then they are able to receive 5 points on an entry level exam. Extra points are rewarded to those who hold a Bachelor’s Degree and are city of Rockford residents.

“Well, everyone wants to be a fireman!” Kloweit commented jokingly when asked whether the RFD sees more applicants than the Rockford Polic Department  These two were in high spirits when talking about being firefighters and are hoping to see many RVC students applying for positions on their team. Recruiter Jeff Kloweit can be contacted through his business phone at 779-500-6536.

Nicole Johnson, picture taken by Becca Russell
Nicole Johnson; picture taken by Becca Russell

Also present were organizations that are associated with the numerous nursing certificates and career programs at RVC. These included Maxim Healthcare Services and Beloit Health and Rehabilitation Center. Both of these companies work with the candidates within the nursing program to hire them after these women and men have completed their training. Beloit Health and Rehabilitation Center especially promotes growth within its CNA, Nutrition Service, Social Work, and Business Administration programs and is an excellent source of career advancement for those who are pursuing a degree in health care. For more opportunities and to submit any applications, Beloit Health and Rehabilitation Center can be accessed at http://www.beloitskillednursing.com/. Nicole Johnson, who represented Maxim Healthcare Services as a Field Support Manager, can be reached for further questions into their home healthcare network at 815-484-0000 or at https://www.maximhealthcare.com/.

These organizations above are only a few of the many who were present, but they each hold substantial information for college students. Attending this career fair proved to be an excellent resource for RVC and Rockford University students to broaden their search when finding a job for their personal career. Any students interested in learning more about these careers should contact the Career Services, Advising, and Placement department at RVC on the top floor of the Student Center building.