Loyola hosts 16th Annual Mardi Gras Invitational Career Fair.

The Recreational Complex at Loyola was filled Thursday with students eager to land a job with their Fortune 500 employer.

"This has been one of the most successful Mardi Gras Career fairs ever," said Paula Quendy Associate Director at Counseling and Career Services at Loyola.

According to Jennifer Williams, career counselor at Tulane, MGI is "the only New Orleans consortium event." Usually more than 1,500 students attend MGI, according to Williams.

But some students say they felt that MGI employers targeted predominantly the graduating class requiring at least a B.A. in order to receive an offer. "[MGI] is a good experience for students," said Beth Robinson a French and English double major junior. [Although] "I wish there were more internship opportunities," Robinson said.

MGI is this Thursday and Friday and is sponsored by various New Orlean's area universities among which Loyola and Tulane have agreed to provide space on their respective campuses.

The first day of MGI consists of simple inquiries from those interested in employment to potential employers. Loyola provided its Recreational Complex for this part of the event.

Some recruiters require an interview with potential employees. If this is the case, an invitation will be extended to attend an interview on the second day at Reily Student Recreation Center - Tulane University.

When asked about her MGI experience, sophomore marketing major Cinthia Martinez replied "It was kind of tough...but I got an interview."

The fair is among the largest ones and consists of over 90 recruiters ranging from organizations such as U.S. Department of State, Kmart Corporation, General Electric, Coca-Cola Enterprises, Inc, Entergy Corporation and Progressive Insurance.

"We always enjoy coming down to MGI fair," said Candy Gouwens, a manager for FSR Recruiting & Development Office at GE Commercial Distribution Finance. Gouwens said that they "have three interviewing candidates, and we're looking forward to coming back next year."

The Mardi Gras Invitational Career Fair 2003 is sponsored by A.B. Freeman School of Business-Tulane University, Dillard University, Loyola University-New Orleans, Our Lady of Holy Cross College, Southern University at New Orleans, Tulane University, University of New Orleans, and Xavier University.

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