Career Fair Strikes Gold at Product Show

by Brian Hagopian

This year's Product Show boasted the Chapter's first dedicated effort to host an active career fair during the Show. At prior Shows, areas were made available for companies to post open positions and for candidates to drop off resumes. Last year, two companies brought their HR folks. This year we wanted to expand on the concept, so we sought out the human resources departments of major companies in the area and asked them to bring their HR people to this year's "Career Connection." The result was a resounding success, with 13 companies helping to make this year's career fair a great one.

Gillette Stadium has plenty of space, so a semi-private area was created for the companies to convey their message. Just walking through the area, the Career Connection had an energy about it and was bustling with activity throughout the day. The Product Show provided an excellent opportunity for each company to meet a large number of qualified candidates and discuss open positions and career advancement. Our thanks to the HR departments at Alkermes, Shire, Wyeth, Bristol-Myers Squibb, AstraZeneca, Biogen Idec, Abbott, Lonza, Genzyme, Vertex, PMA Consultants, Acceleron Pharma, and New England Controls for participating.

After speaking with the participating companies following the Show, the overwhelming consensus was that the Product Show represented both a great venue and a great value for their companies and they would definitely be back next year. Since word will surely spread about this year's success, the Product Show committee is already planning to allocate additional space for more companies next year. To those who participated this year - again, thanks. To participate next year, contact the Chapter office at ispe@camihq.com