This year’s theme of “Rise to Your Next Level” addresses underemployment and increased social responsibility trends coming out of the pandemic

Rasmussen University will host its sixth annual Virtual Career Fair on Oct. 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. CDT. Participants can network and discuss qualifications on an active list of open positions with up to 50 leading employers nationwide through live chat or video. This event is online and open to the public at no cost.

Observing this year’s theme, “Rise to Your Next Level,” the career fair is focused on addressing the issue of underemployment head-on by providing attendees practical career support from expert-led webinars and advice from career development professionals, including the importance of matching education to employment after college.

The Permanent Detour, a comprehensive case study by Strada Education Network^® and Burning Glass^®, revealed that 43 percent of workers are underemployed in their first job, meaning they accepted part or full-time employment that does not reflect their skillset and education. As such, they are five times more likely to remain underemployed for five years compared to those who start out “well employed.” Conversely, the study finds that “those who start out well employed rarely slide into underemployment.” Underemployed individuals earn an average of $10,000 less than their counterparts who work in college-level jobs, the study shows.

“This very thought-provoking study underscores the importance of applying your education to career progression and understanding that underemployment is not a short-term problem; rather, it sets the direction for your lifelong earnings and career trajectory,” says Elizabeth Lintelman, director of Career Services at Rasmussen University. “We work closely with our students and alumni to help equip them with the tools necessary to showcase their education and experience—from resume building to interview practice.”

As one of the latest market trends, recruiting efforts are becoming candidate-focused and values-focused. Lintelman adds that job seekers should see interviews as collaborative, and she encourages them to take advantage of the opportunity to ask questions of potential employers.

“Job seekers are looking for positions with organizations that emphasize social responsibility, company culture, work-life balance and the ability to advance,” says Lintelman. “Our Virtual Career Fair allows candidates to ask employers candid questions about culture, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and environmental efforts, career path and growth potential, remote work possibilities, mental health awareness and resources.”

Participants are not required to attend the whole session, and can do so from almost anywhere, including the comfort of their home or office.

For more information about the Virtual Career Fair, visit: rasmussen.edu/student-life/events/careerfair/.

To register for the event, visit: https://rasmussen.co/2022VCF.

ABOUT RASMUSSEN UNIVERSITY:

Rasmussen University, a university institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (www.hlcommission.org), is dedicated to changing lives and the communities it serves through innovative and flexible educational programs. As a pioneer in career-focused education since 1900, the University is defining a new generation of higher education that focuses on competency-based education, technology and transferable skills. Rasmussen offers undergraduate and graduate programs online and in person at 22 campuses around the country. The University is designed to lift and support its students every step of the way, from each student’s first credential to their last. Rasmussen is dedicated to global enrichment, serving the underserved and meeting the evolving needs of diverse students, communities and economies. Rasmussen encourages its students, faculty and staff to strive for academic excellence, community enrichment and service to the public good. Rasmussen is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Public Education, Inc. (Nasdaq: APEI). For more information about Rasmussen University, please visit www.rasmussen.edu.

Strada Education Network is a registered trademark of USA Funds, Inc.

Burning Glass is a registered trademark of Burning Glass International, Inc.

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