The Gemological Institute of America will hold its annual Career Fair and Open House on Oct. 15 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at GIA’s world headquarters and Robert Mouawad Campus in Carlsbad. The event is free and open to the public, as well as students and graduates.

Those interested in the rewarding world of gems and jewelry can learn about gemology and careers in the industry through classroom demonstrations and networking, and the public can browse the ocean-view campus and its museum displays.

During the 2002 Career Fair, Graduate Gemologist and Graduate Jeweler Sarah M. Freeman (a GIA student at the time), met former JCK Publisher Frank Dallahan, who listened to Michigan native’s career aspirations and then introduced her to Marion Halfacre, owner of Traditional Jewelers of Newport Beach, Calif. At the following year’s event, Freeman renewed that connection with the company, and after graduating from GIA in April 2004, she followed up by submitting her resumé to them. Freeman now works at Traditional as a sales associate, and she credits the career fair and Dallahan for finding her rewarding position.

“Career fair was an incredible experience,” Freeman said. “There is no other organized event in the world that would allow me to make these connections and contacts. GIA’s Career Fair gave me the opportunity to fulfill my goal for employment and now I’m in a situation where I couldn’t be happier.” Freeman will speak to attendees at this year’s event about her successful experience.

GIA’s Jewelry Career Fair was founded by GIA and The 24 Karat Club of Southern California. Prime sponsor of the Carlsbad event is JCK International Publishing Group. Employers interested in participating should contact GIA’s Career Services office at 800-421-7250, ext. 4195. Job seekers can call GIA’s Jewelry Career Fair hotline at 800-421-7250, ext. 4100, visit www.gia.edu (which also includes career advice) or e-mail careerfair@gia.edu. Admission is free and open to the public at GIA’s facility located at 5345 Armada Drive in Carlsbad.

JCK