Friday, March 15th, Mount Carmel hosted their Summer Job Fair on the floor of the Cacciatore Gym. Mr. Craig Ferguson ‘79, the current Director of Planned Giving and Alumni Engagement, organized the event where several employers and organizations were present. 

“We had it previously,” said Mr. Ferguson, “but this particular version is our first time doing it.”

Around ten years ago, Mr. Tony DiFilippo was involved with the Caravan Council, made up of young alumni who sought to engage with fellow younger alumni. The group had their job fair with a handful of employers in the Saints Hall, between the gym and the Commons. 

The idea of a permanent job fair that engaged current students was bounced around. Still, it never sparked anything until Mr. Ferguson and Mr. Andy Dimas, Director of Development, visited a fellow Chicagoland Carmelite high school, Carmel Catholic in Mundelein, Illinois, which had its own job fair. Their visit was to meet with their administration to understand each other’s progress and to share ideas. The visit gave MC administrators the idea to create a similar job fair at MC. 

The event is a way for students to explore potential jobs over the summer and a great opportunity for students to find work experience and have something on their resumes for the future.

“I thought the fair was actually very informative,” said senior Luis Munoz, “and it had many job opportunities in the city with a lot of water-related positions. I kind of want to do one now.”

Among the employers in attendance were the River Cruise and Chicago Harbors. Students who apply will be able to work aboard one of Chicago’s five cruise boats along the famous Chicago Riverfront or work in one of many of Chicago’s marinas along the Lakefront, including the nearby Jackson Park harbors. 

Some other potential employers included One Summer Chicago, a city-run organization that helps find employment for local youth, Clae Pest Control, Beary Landscaping, and Bee You Therapy LLC, which helps adults with disabilities. Members of the Chicago Park District were also present, recruiting possible lifeguards, youth recreational counselors, and junior park laborers, who help keep parks around the city clean.

“Mount Carmel has an outstanding name through the community,” said Cheryl Renee of WeGenZee, a non-profit organization that helps provide underrepresented youth access to harbor work through specialized training to become a dock attendant. “MC is near the job site, and we hear that MC has great students.”

Even employers from Indiana were in attendance, like 219 Productions, a company that specializes in party services like photo booths, disc jockeys, and special effects. The City of Munster’s Department of Parks and Recreation had a table as well with pamphlets and more information for students to apply.

Another organization is JCC Chicago Apachi, which actually operates out of Mount Carmel’s campus during the summer. The organization acts as a day camp for youth from 4 years old to 12 years old. 

There are definitely plenty of MC students looking to make money and connections over the summer. The Job Fair provided a great opportunity for both.

“Students understand the value of what MC brings to them,” said Anita Boyd of Chicago Park District. “I can tell a lot of students have self-confidence, and they’re eager to work.”