(PRESS RELEASE) CARLSBAD, CA – GIA celebrated the 25th anniversary of its Career Fair on Oct. 7 in Carlsbad, CA. The event drew more than 800 gem and jewelry enthusiasts to the Institute’s coastal headquarters for a day full of panels, one-on-one career coaching, education demonstrations and networking. Job seekers also had a chance to meet with 32 companies looking to fill hundreds of positions at various experience levels. .
The event began with “Job Success in Today’s Market,” a panel moderated by GIA President and CEO Susan Jacques. “It’s important not only to own the piece, but to own the story as well,” Mary Todd-McGinnis, vice president of sales for Ben Bridge Jeweler, told the audience.
“Be smart, be aware, be educated and be nimble,” said Mark Smelzer, publisher of JCK magazine and JCKonline.com. “Introduce yourself to people who don’t know you exist,” added recent GIA graduate Melanie Goldfiner, who now works for Rahaminov Diamonds Inc.
Celebrity designer Martin Katz rounded out the panel with the inspiring story of his journey to success.
“I did everything against the rules, and yet I built a business,” he said.
Later in the day, JCK magazine’s editor-in-chief, Victoria Gomelsky, moderated a panel on “Creative Careers.” Jordan Tabach-Bank, owner and CEO of Beverly Loan Company and New York Loan Company, said he only hires GIA graduates for gemology-related positions, while jewelry blogger Danielle Miele of Gem Gossip said her passion for the industry ignited after visiting GIA’s Carlsbad campus for her birthday eight years ago.
Jen Cullen-Williams, managing director of the Luxury Brand Group, who was honored with the 24 Karat Club of Southern California’s Rising Star Award the following day, told the audience that what started out as a passion for fashion PR evolved into a nearly-decade long career in the jewelry industry. Designer Mark Schneider told the audience, “Art got me through college.”
The next event will take place in New York on Monday, July 24, 2017. For more details, visit gia.edu/career-fair or email careerfair@gia.edu. Follow@GIANews #JewelryJobs for updates.