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Check this space later in 2009 for information about the 2010 Career Expo.

Contact

Shawn Haag
612-625-5608
haag0025@umn.edu

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Annual

Transportation Career Expo

Career expo draws strong interest

Eighty-two students attended the 2009 Transportation Career Expo to learn about transportation-related careers and job-hunting tips and network with potential employers.

Moderator Shannon Tyree (at podium) with panelists Cathy Anderson, Ann Johnson, Matt Gjersvik, and Jack Broz

The early-evening event, held February 5 on the east bank campus in Minneapolis, featured a new, shorter format with a single general-session panel discussion. After opening remarks from CTS assistant director Gina Baas, the panel was moderated by Shannon Tyree of the City of St. Paul, who also chairs the CTS Education and Outreach Council. Panelists were Cathy Anderson from CH Robinson, Ann Johnson from Professional Engineering Services and the U of M Department of Civil Enginering, Matt Gjersvik from Mn/DOT, and Jack Broz from HR Green.

The speakers discussed their backgrounds in transportation and offered tips and advice to the attendees. Panelists emphasized the unexpected, and encouraged students to be open and willing to try anything, especially in the current economic environment. “Things move fast and you have to be open to change,” Johnson said. “There’s so much out there, and we just don’t think about all of the opportunities.” Tyree agreed and encouraged students to think long term. “Where you start is not where you finish,” she said.

Also new this year, each of the 20 exhibitors introduced themselves to the full group and said a few words about their organizations.

Students network with employers at the reception.

Many students brought their résumés and received suggestions from volunteers Amber Nord of WTS, Michael Corbett of HDR Engineering, Inc., Darren Kaltved of the U of M Institute of Technology Career Center, and Joe Barbeau and Christina Miller of CTS.

A closing reception offered networking and employment-seeking opportunities with the exhibitors. Representatives from both public and private sector transportation companies were on hand to offer information and answer questions.

The annual event is sponsored by the CTS Education and Outreach Council, the Women's Transportation Seminar, the Minnesota Local Road Research Board, Minnesota LTAP, the Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Institute, and the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP).

2009 Exhibitors

  • Bolton and Menk, Inc.
  • Braun Intertec Corporation
  • C.H. Robinson
  • CH2M Hill, Inc
  • Federal Highway Administration
  • HDR Engineering, Inc.
  • HNTB Corporation
  • Howard R. Green
  • Iteris, Inc.
  • Jacobs Engineering Group
  • Malt-O-Meal
  • Metropolitan Council
  • Minnesota Traffic Observatory
  • MN Society of Professional Engineers
  • Mn/DOT
  • NCITE
  • Parsons Brinckerhoff
  • SRF Consulting Group, Inc.
  • URS Corporation
  • WTS

About the Career Expo

This event provides information to students on transportation-related careers. Sessions highlight transportation career alternatives and preparation strategies. Students are encouraged to bring their résumés and receive helpful suggestions from individuals experienced in reviewing the résumés of job applicants. The event is also a chance for employers to network with potential employees. A reception offering networking and employment-seeking opportunities is included.

The Transportation Career Expo is sponsored by the Education and Outreach Council of the Center for Transportation Studies, the Women's Transportation Seminar, the Minnesota Local Road Research Board, Minnesota LTAP, the Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Institute, and the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP).

Who should attend

  • Undergraduate and graduate students interested in learning more about transportation-related careers and how to find a job in their chosen field
  • Employers interested in networking with students and recent graduates who might fill current or future full-time and part-time positions as well as summer internships
  • Professional associations interested in reaching out to students and recent graduates as potential members

Why you should attend

  • Bring your résumé and receive helpful suggestions from individuals experienced in reviewing the résumés of job applicants. They will be available for individual consultation during the reception.
  • Learn about transportation career alternatives and career preparation strategies, and attend a reception offering networking and employment-seeking opportunities.
  • Take advantage of a great opportunity to meet students, transportation professionals, and employers in a casual atmosphere, learn more about future job opportunities, and enjoy an assortment of complimentary food and beverages.