Montgomery County Community College students, alumni and community members on the hunt for a job were able to network with area businesses, as Career Services hosted the first of three online Employer Days.

The event featured representatives from three area companies, Heilind Electronics, Helping Hands Family therapy services and Peter Becker Community, who answered participants’ questions and discussed various career opportunities available.

Career Services will host two more online Employer Days events beginning on Wednesday, March 10 from 11 a.m.-noon and lastly on Tuesday, April 27 from 2-3 p.m. Career Services will also host a career fair on Tuesday, April 6 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Takisha Mundy, Director of Career Services, said the informal event was a win-win for job seekers and employers.

“During a time when everyone needs work, these events really give students, alumni and community members a platform to engage with employers,” she said. “Likewise, employers are looking for great talent.”

The events are meant to be informal, she said, to help take some of the pressure off of job seekers.

“Participants can let their hair down a bit and learn more about the opportunities available to them,” she said, “without the nervousness of a career fair.”

The events contribute to the personal development of job seekers, said Career Coach Nicole Brouse.

“Participants can think about their career options and start networking and getting questions answered with seasoned professionals in the field,” she said. “They can learn something that can help them make decisions moving forward.”

Employer Days events also provide valuable exposure to students, alumni and community members who need practice meeting with potential employers.

“I don’t know anyone who doesn’t get butterflies before a job interview,” said Mundy. “We have workshops to train students and alumni to ask employers the right questions, which allows them to grow their confidence. Exposure very important.”

Bethany Eisenhart, coordinator of internships and career services, said a benefit of having the virtual events is that it allows students, who would not normally be able to partake in on campus activities, to participate.

“They are now able to get involved with virtual events,” she said. “Those students can connect to a community virtually that they wouldn’t have had in person.”

“It gives them an opportunity to engage with us,” said Mundy. “We can let them know of services they can take advantage of including resume reviews, networking events that will allow them to build relationships with employers. It sets students up for career success.”