The 2013 Career Fair and Business Expo took place on Wednesday, November 6 from 12:15-4:15 p.m. in the East Leyden field house.

This year’s career fair was truly a community event as Leyden partnered with the Franklin Park, Schiller Park, and River Grove Chamber of Commerce, First Merit Bank, and Triton College to host an outstanding 104 booths showcasing numerous businesses, all branches of the military and representatives from Triton.

For business education department chair Dr. Fran Brady all the hard work and planning was well worth it.

“The Fair was a success! We reached our goal to get students, businesses, and community members together,” she said.

This is the 8th annual career fair for Leyden and it has continued to help students, as well as local community members, with exploring summer jobs or future career opportunities.

Ken Kollar, who works for KCS computer and technology and is also president of the Franklin Park/Schiller Park Chamber of Commerce, was also present.

Mr. Kohler, who has been part of the East Leyden Career Fair since 2005, helps in spreading the word every year to local businesses motivating them to become part of the East Leyden Career Fair.

Tim Murphy, business education teacher at West and part the planning committee stated that the goal was to try to facilitate as many businesses and colleges around the community to join the career fair to help the community and also help kids get jobs.

“It is a great opportunity for the students of Leyden to see what’s out there.”

Yet, he reminds students that it isn’t enough to just attend the fair. “If you don’t ask questions you won’t get a job.”

East Leyden counselor Emily Wine, whose specialty is in offering students support with careers and the military, highlighted some important reminders for students when applying.

“When filling out an application reread everything, check for spelling mistakes and most importantly have legible handwriting.”

For additional help students can contact her or just stop by the counselors’ office.