RAYMOND – Christian Hollins is studying Architectural Engineering at Hinds Community College, but isn’t limiting himself when it comes to finding employment while he finishes his degree.

“I’m on track to graduate in December, so I’m looking for some part-time employment,” said Hollins, of Jackson, among the 300 or so Hinds students at the 2017 Jobs For Eagles District Job Fair on April 12, held in Mayo Gym on the Raymond Campus.

Christian Hollins, a Hinds Community College student studying Architectural Engineering Technology, speaks with Sara Sutton Thompson, of Whole Foods, at the 2017 District Job Fair at the Raymond Campus. (Hinds Community College/April Garon)

Christian Hollins, a Hinds Community College student studying Architectural Engineering Technology, speaks with Sara Sutton Thompson, of Whole Foods, at the 2017 District Job Fair at the Raymond Campus. (Hinds Community College/April Garon)

Hollins works in a grocery store part-time and visited with Whole Foods at the expo-style event. “I’ve also visited with UPS and Nissan.”

Career and technical fields such as automotive, hospitality and sales were among booths, along with mainstays in the healthcare, foodservice, gaming and temporary employment service areas.

Robin Robinson, of Clinton, earned an associate’s from Hinds in Marketing Management Technology last year. She worked the tables at the job fair to keep her options as open as possible.

“I’m here to find a job and get some contacts out there,” said Robinson, who wants to get into hotel management and sales, but realizes there’s value in talking to as many recruiters as possible. She inquired about opportunities everywhere from heavy industry, at the Milwaukee Tools table, to staffing agencies, at the TempStaff table.

Robin Robinson, with portfolio, speaks with Michelle Rhodes and Debbie Horn, both recruiters with TempStaff, at the 2017 District Job Fair at Hinds Community College Raymond Campus. (Hinds Community College/April Garon)

Robin Robinson, with portfolio, speaks with Michelle Rhodes and Debbie Horn, both recruiters with TempStaff, at the 2017 District Job Fair at Hinds Community College Raymond Campus. (Hinds Community College/April Garon)

“They always have something to say that’s helpful, and I like that,” she said.

Elisha Davis and Hannah Reihl, two Barber/Stylist students from Vicksburg, are equally curious about job opportunities outside their comfort zone.

“I don’t want to limit myself in what I can learn,” Reihl said as the two chatted up a representative of University of Mississippi Medical Center.

Davis was impressed by the versatility shown to her by recruiters at the event.

“I liked how they seem to be able to work around our schedule as students,” she said.

“We want to keep people working,” said Debbie Horn, of TempStaff. “And we want people to stay in Mississippi.”

[tweetable alt=””]Job opportunities aplenty, varied at Hinds CC District Job Fair[/tweetable]

Hannah Reihl, who is studying to be a hair stylist at Hinds Community College, speaks with Bridget Dedeaux, a human resources service partner at University of Mississippi Medical Center, during the 2017 District Job Fair at Hinds Community College Raymond Campus. ((Hinds Community College/April Garon)

Hannah Reihl, who is studying to be a hair stylist at Hinds Community College, speaks with Bridget Dedeaux, a human resources service partner at University of Mississippi Medical Center, during the 2017 District Job Fair at Hinds Community College Raymond Campus. (Hinds Community College/April Garon)

Elisha Davis, center, and Hannah Reihl, right, both studying to be hair stylists at Hinds Community College, speaks with Bridget Dedeaux, a human resources service partner at University of Mississippi Medical Center, during the 2017 District Job Fair April 12 at the Raymond Campus. (Hinds Community College/April Garon)

Elisha Davis, center, and Hannah Reihl, right, both studying to be hair stylists at Hinds Community College, speaks with Bridget Dedeaux, a human resources service partner at University of Mississippi Medical Center, during the 2017 District Job Fair April 12 at the Raymond Campus. (Hinds Community College/April Garon)