Connecting Talent and Opportunity: Inside ASNT 2024's Expanded Industry Interviews and Career Advancement Event

I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Beonica Rutherford, Workforce Development Manager for the ASNT Foundation, to discuss the upcoming Industry Interview and Career Advancement event taking place on 21 – 22 October at?ASNT 2024, ASNT's annual conference in Las Vegas, Nevada. Beonica has been a driving force behind the ASNT Foundation's workforce initiatives for the past three years, bringing with her over a decade of experience in talent development and organizational effectiveness. Her passion for building a stronger and more diverse workforce in the nondestructive testing (NDT) field is evident in her work, which includes designing tailored workforce development programs, enhancing skills, and creating career advancement opportunities. ?

Learn more about the event by reading my question-and-answer-style interview with Beonica below, and learn more about this exciting event on the website here .?

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General Overview of the Event?

Question (Q): Thanks for meeting with me today, Beonica! Can you talk a little bit about what the Industry Interview and Career Advancement event is??

Answer (A): Of course, Kelly! The Industry Interview and Career Advancement event provides a platform for companies to recruit top talent and for job seekers to network, gain insights, and secure?job opportunities through scheduled interviews and networking sessions. The ASNT Foundation is committed to working with businesses and members to address the current NDT workforce challenges and this event is part of that effort. ?

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Q: This sounds like a great and impactful event! What inspired the expansion of the Industry Interview into a two-day Career Advancement event at ASNT 2024??

A: Extending the industry interview event by an extra day allows companies more time to prescreen potential employees. It also enhances company visibility, which fosters more meaningful interactions between employers and job seekers. The additional time will be used to help both parties make more informed decisions and build stronger connections. This was actually requested by last year's participants!?

Q: How exciting! I’m glad to hear that you’re incorporating participant feedback into this year’s event. Can you explain the structure and goals of Day One of the event? How does it differ from the events taking place on the second day??

A: Day One: This will function like a job fair, where job seekers can visit hiring companies during a two-hour meet-and-greet session. This setup allows companies to interact with a larger pool of professionals and identify top talent.?

Day Two: This day is reserved for pre-scheduled interviews; companies will have the opportunity to sit down and engage with job candidates who have been selected and scheduled prior to the conference.?

This approach not only increases company visibility but also enhances the quality of interactions between employers and job seekers.?

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For Job Seekers

Q: What should job seekers expect during Day One of the Industry Interview event??

A: Day One will consist of brief, informal conversations to help job seekers understand which companies they are interested in for the next day’s interviews. Companies can distribute brochures or flyers with key information about their organization and the roles for which they are hiring. Job seekers can maximize their time during the brief meet-and-greet by following these tips:?

• Research Ahead: Before the event, research the participating companies to understand their values, culture, and job openings. This will help you ask informed questions and show genuine interest.?

• Prepare a Pitch: Have a concise elevator pitch ready that highlights your skills, experience, and what you’re looking for in a job. This will help you make a strong first impression.?

• Ask Relevant Questions: Prepare a few thoughtful questions for each company to demonstrate your interest and gather useful information. For example, ask about the company culture, growth opportunities, or specific roles for which they are hiring.?

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Q: These are such great tips, Beonica! Thanks for sharing. How should candidates prepare for the 30-minute interviews on Day Two??

A: To prepare effectively for the interviews on Day Two, candidates should consider the following steps:?

• Review Company Information: Revisit the information you gathered during the meet-and-greet. Familiarize yourself with each company’s mission, values, and job openings.?

• Understand the Role: Study the job descriptions for the positions you’re interviewing for. Identify the key skills and qualifications required and think about how your experience aligns with them.?

• Develop Real Questions: Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewers. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gather important information. Examples include:?

“What does a typical day look like for this position?”?

"How much travel is involved??

“What are the biggest challenges facing your team right now?”?

“How do you support professional development?”?

• Prepare Your Documents: Ensure you have multiple copies of your resume, a list of references, and any other relevant documents. Bring a notepad and pen for taking notes.?

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Q: This is so helpful. And lastly for our job seekers: What are the benefits for job seekers participating in this event??

A: Participating in the industry interview event allows job seekers to network, explore multiple job opportunities, receive immediate feedback, and gain valuable professional insights efficiently. For a highly skilled person participating in the industry interview event offers the chance to showcase their expertise, connect with top-tier employers, and explore advanced career opportunities efficiently.?

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For Employers

Q: What makes this event an attractive opportunity for companies looking to hire NDT professionals??

A: Employers gain brand building, market insights, and a talent pipeline by participating in such events, while also reducing recruitment costs and potentially filling urgent vacancies quickly. Additionally, they demonstrate community engagement and support for industry growth.?

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Q: Can you share a success story from last year’s Industry Interviews event??

A: Watching two recent college graduates, full of enthusiasm and fresh skills, secure their first career offers from top companies was a truly gratifying experience. It’s wonderful to see their hard work and dedication pay off in such a significant way.?

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Q: I love hearing that! How do you select the companies that participate in these interviews, and what types of roles are typically offered??

A: Selecting companies is on a first-come, first-served basis and it ensures fairness, but it’s no surprise that slots fill up quickly, especially with companies that have had success in previous years. Their positive experiences likely make them eager to return and continue finding top talent.? ?

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Industry Impact

Q: How do you see the Industry Interviews and Career Advancement event contributing to the overall development of the NDT workforce??

A: The Industry Interviews and Career Advancement event not only supports recent graduates but also provides seasoned professionals with opportunities to advance or explore new career paths. By connecting experienced individuals with top companies, the event fosters career growth and diversification, ensuring that the NDT workforce remains dynamic and adaptable. This dual focus on emerging talent and established professionals helps create a robust, innovative, and continuously evolving industry.?

Please partner with the ASNT Foundation by making a donation to support and enhance our workforce development initiatives and future events. We will be hosting a virtual career fair this winter to meet the employment needs of both job seekers and businesses, providing a platform to continue building?meaningful connections and exploring opportunities. ?

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Q: What trends have you noticed in the NDT job market, and how are these being addressed through events like this??

A: Key trends in the NDT industry include the adoption of advanced imaging techniques, increased use of automation and robotics, and the integration of AI and machine learning for better data analysis. There’s also a focus on sustainability practices and the use of augmented reality for enhanced inspections. Global collaboration is driving standardization and innovation across the field.?

The NDT job market is experiencing increased demand for skilled professionals, driven by these technological advancements and expansion in key sectors like oil and gas and aerospace. Career advancement events like this address these trends by bridging the skills gap, showcasing innovations, and connecting both new and experienced professionals with top companies, ensuring a dynamic and well-prepared workforce.?

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Thank you so much for your time and for answering these important questions today, Beonica! For those who have questions for Beonica about the Industry Interview and Career Advancement event , please reach out to her at [email protected] .?

Does your company want to partner with the ASNT Foundation to inspire, recruit, and develop a bigger, better workforce? Please donate today to support this event and future events like this!??

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About the Author: Kelly Florian is the Digital Marketing Manager for ASNT.?