UC Davis has hired four people so far from among the hundreds of military veterans and other job seekers who turned out for the university’s first Veterans and Diversity Career Fair, held June 3.

More than 500 people, wearing suits and business attire despite the day’s sweltering heat, lined up to inquire about the more than 200 positions that were open at the time on the Sacramento and Davis campuses. Thirty-four departments participated.

"It was an overwhelming success," said Steve Chilcott, executive director of Human Resources at the UC Davis Health System, who noted that the first hire occurred within a week of the fair.

The Davis campus’s Temporary Employment Services hired a career employee, while the UC Davis Health System made three hires, one in nursing and two in the emergency department.

Several other candidates are being considered, and others signed up to join the health system’s Volunteer Services.

The state Employment Development Department co-sponsored the career fair, and the military lent its support by sending two top officers from the Joint Chiefs of Staff’s Warrior and Family Support program.

“We were proud that we could reach out specifically to military veterans and help them connect with job opportunities that are right for them,” Chilcott said.

In meeting with job-seekers, Lt. Col. Tony Forbes and Lt. Col. Christopher T. Ford shared their perspectives on transitioning to jobs outside the military.

The officers also met with career fair organizers to discuss how the Warrior and Family Support program can help the university and the state Employment Development Department in their outreach to veterans.

Jeremiah Anderson met with information technology staff to discuss his skills and interest in pursuing a career in computer programming after his imminent discharge from the military.

“I got what I needed,” Anderson said about attending the fair.

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