Posted September 16, 2015

 

When Kent Hester mentioned to me a few weeks ago that this year’s Job Forum & Career Fair at N.C. State’s College of Textiles (COT) would be the biggest in about 30 years, I penciled in the event to cover. Being a skeptic by nature (hence, the career in journalism), I had to see for myself. Not that I didn’t believe Hester, the COT’s director of Student and Career Services – I just needed to ascertain what his definition of “biggest” was.

 

And seeing is believing.

 

As mentioned in eTC’s lead story, the event last week attracted 64 companies ranging from suppliers, mills, brands, retailers, software companies and more, who filled both levels of the Duke Kimbrell Atrium as well as another nearby room. Due to space limitations and fire regulations, Hester actually had to turn away five companies that wanted to attend.

 

After the morning forum that brought company representatives up to speed on the COT’s activities – in quite an impressive presentation by the only true “textile school” left in the U.S. – they set up shop to meet with students and recent graduates. And for three hours, this “speed dating” session saw long lines at various tables, with students and graduates trying to get face time with as many companies as possible. I doubt many were successful in seeing all the ones they had on their list.

 

The job seekers I met were eager, articulate and excited about a career in textiles. Had I attended a similar event a decade ago, I doubt I would have been met with such enthusiasm. At that time, textiles, by perception and in some ways reality, just wasn’t a cool career anymore, save for the fashion and retail side, perhaps.

 

I talked with several candidates who were anxious to speak with companies about a career in the industry – even on the manufacturing side. At the morning’s forum, Hester pointed out that 12 percent of entry-level positions accepted by COT grads in the textile industry were in manufacturing management – a 25-year high. Such a figure brings more optimism for an industry that continues to ramp up production and turn the veritable corner. In case your curious, of others placed: 28 percent were in retail-related positions; 24 percent were in design and product development; 22 percent were in engineering and process improvement; and 10 percent were in sales and marketing.

 

Additionally, the average starting salary last year for students coming out of the College’s two departments – Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science (TECS) and Textile and Apparel, Technology and Management (TATM) – was $44, 707, Hester reported. Certainly nothing to sneeze at.

 

Industry reps also seemed thrilled to tell candidates about their companies. And several “traditional” textile company reps used the occasion to include other talking points in their pitches – that today’s textile manufacturing sector is high-tech, modern, clean and a great place to spend a career. How refreshing.

 

I certainly was blown away by the buzz of purposeful activity that day. I left with a sense of positivity and pride about our industry and our prospects for a bright future.

 

You were right, Kent – in the biggest way.