The career fair pretty much only supports those CFI's who are nearing ATP minimums for the airlines as students fresh out school are no longer able to get an airline job with the new flight rule. Sure it allows some face time but they won't be able to work for an airline until a few years later. If the SAMA people are smart they will attract other companies who will hire grads even if they have flight times reaching 1000 hrs.
That may be so, but it's all about networking and learning! Trust me! Being part of a student organization, such as SAMA or attending the conference/career fair can help you in many ways. I can attest to that and I'll give you first hand examples how I benefited from being part of SAMA and being involved with the conference/career fair.
- I got my
paid summer internship during the SAMA Conference/Career Fair working for a large 121 cargo carrier. The following year the company returned to UND for the career fair and invited me to help with the selection process for new interns.
- I became very well connected over the years during the annual conference with THE recruiter for one of the biggest regional airlines. I stayed in contact, and when I met the minimums, all I did was send an e-mail to that person and was offered an interview within 20 mins. Seriously!
- I made several connections, friends and acquaintances during my time, and several of them have helped me write recommendation letters, get interviews and even jobs.
I left UND over 7 years ago, and I still stay in touch and even work with some of my fellow SAMA members to date. I'm planning on making the trip to GFK this year for the conference if all goes as planned to make some new connections!
It's doesn't matter if you are a freshman, senior, grad students, CFI, etc. Attending the conference/career fair will benefit you in one way or another. Even if you don't have the mins. for a company you'd like to work for, go talk to them, ask questions, show your interest and stay connected! It's not just networking with the presenters and recruiters, but also with former members and students (like myself) that can help you get a foot in the door.
