Press Releases

Career Fair Powered by GIA Returns to Carlsbad

The largest in-person career fair in the gem and jewelry industry.

Published

1 year ago

September 20, 2022

Press Releases

Recruiters and attendees connecting at the Career Fair – Powered by GIA in Carlsbad.

(PRESS RELEASE) CARLSBAD, CA — As the leading steward of gemological research, education and laboratory services, GIA (Gemological Institute of America), hosts the largest career fair in the gem and jewelry industry. At Career Fair – Powered by GIA in Carlsbad, California on Friday, Sept. 30, new talent and those looking for advancement can expect to be inspired by a captivating keynote and panel, receive career coaching and network directly with recruiters from major brands who have jobs to fill right now.

“Career Fair – Powered by GIA creates a unique space where you can seek opportunities that match your skills and propel your career. Whether you have sales, education, IT or bench jewelry skills, there is something for everyone with amazing companies looking for talent. The networking connections which will be made with career coaches, recruiters, industry leaders and other attendees can be pivotal in career growth,” said Susan Jacques, GIA president and CEO.

The day kicks-off with keynote speaker Mark Buntz, GIA senior VP and chief marketing officer, who will share personal insights about the storytelling and passion that makes a career in this industry so alluring. Having come from a sports background and transitioning into this scintillating industry, he brings a unique perspective. Recruiting and career coaching will follow, allowing attendees to explore opportunities and get advice on how to stand out amongst applicants.

The day closes with GIA VP of Business Development Richard Pesqueira, moderating a panel of luminary industry professionals that will explore the State of the Industry. Attendees will hear from Mark Smelzer, chief content executive at Jewelers Mutual; Taylor Burgess, senior vice president of Customer Experience at Stuller; and Kathy Mizani, senior category manager of Fine Jewelry at eBay.

This is the one day out of the year where the public can explore GIA’s educational offerings and see classroom demonstrations of Bench Jewelry, Computer-Aided Design, Gemology, Jewelry Design, Research and Production.

Admission is free and open to the public on Friday, Sept. 30, 2022 from 9:00am to 3:30pm PDT at GIA’s World Headquarters in Carlsbad, CA. For more information and to register, visit here. Follow @GIANews on Twitter for updates.

The continuously growing list of recruiters and career openings are available here. There are nationwide roles available.

Career Fair – Powered by GIA, will also be held in New York and London in 2023. GIA hosted its first Career Fair in 1991 in Santa Monica, California, U.S. Since then, the event has expanded, linking gem and jewelry companies with future employees at more than 68 events in California, India, Las Vegas, London and New York.

When There’s No Succession Plan, Call Wilkerson

Bob Wesley, owner of Robert C. Wesley Jewelers in Scottsdale, Ariz., was a third-generation jeweler. When it was time to enjoy life on the other side of the counter, he weighed his options. His lease was nearing renewal time and with no succession plan, he decided it was time to call Wilkerson. There was plenty of inventory to sell and at first, says Wesley, he thought he might try to manage a sale himself. But he’s glad he didn’t. “There’s no way I could have done this as well as Wilkerson,” he says. Wilkerson took responsibility for the entire event, with every detail — from advertising to accounting — done, dusted and managed by the Wilkerson team. “It’s the complete package,” he says of the Wilkerson method of helping jewelers to easily go on to the next phase of their lives. “There’s no way any retailer can duplicate what they’ve done.”