The Gemological Institute of America is hosting its 12th annual Jewelry Career Fair and Open House Oct. 18 from 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. at its world headquarters in Carlsbad, Calif. Recruiting will be conducted from 9:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.

Open to all, Career Fair provides job seekers with an opportunity to meet prominent gem and jewelry employers, including Tiffany & Co., Ben Bridge Jeweler, Robbins Brothers. Career Fair also offers workshops, seminars, and personalized career counseling sessions led by distinguished industry experts in areas such as jewelry sales, manufacturing and design. For example, job seekers will learn about hiring trends in the jewelry industry, elements for starting your own jewelry business, and survival tactics for new designers. In addition, GIA President William E. Boyajian will present a seminar on effective tools for creating a successful career in the jewelry industry.

John Cordova, vice president of organizational development for Robbins Brothers, of Los Angeles, said he has been hiring at GIA’s Jewelry Career Fair for 10 years, and is looking to fill up to 18 positions this year. “The quality of the job seekers who attend Career Fair is absolutely fantastic,” Cordova said.

Contacts and interviews at Career Fair can lead to copious opportunities. The New York Jewelry Career Fair, held July 26, offered more than 250 jobs. “I was astounded that before the end of the day at Career Fair in New York, two companies had interviewed me, and by the following week I had a job at Lux, Bond & Green,” said Brook Hughes, a recent GIA graduate.

Kathryn Kimmel, GIA’s vice-president of marketing and public relations, and creator of GIA’s Jewelry Career Fair, said the event can help to initiate a rewarding new career. “Career Fair has become the industry’s largest, most successful recruitment and career opportunity event. It has been remarkable to watch literally hundreds of job seekers launch their careers over the years, and to see many of them return to Career Fair as recruiters and speakers is an especially rewarding element.”

The event, founded by GIA and the 24 Karat Club of Southern California, will also be an open door opportunity for those who are curious about GIA or simply interested in gems and jewelry to tour the Institute’s campus and museum exhibits, attend classroom demonstrations, and learn about GIA’s industry acclaimed educational services.

GIA’s Jewelry Career Fair is sponsored by The VNU Jewelry Group. Employers interested in participating should contact GIA’s Career Services office at 800-421-7250, ext. 4255. If you are a job seeker wishing to attend, call GIA’s Jewelry Career Fair hotline at 800-421-7250, ext. 4100, visit www.careerfair.gia.edu or email xareerfair@gia.edu. Admission is free to job seekers.

JCK