The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) held its 13th annual Jewelry Career Fair in October 2003. The event drew nearly 900 participants to GIA’s world headquarters in Carlsbad, Calif., where they enjoyed free professional career counseling and met with recruiters from 29 gem and jewelry firms as well as some of the best-known industry leaders.

“Discover what you love to do, seek your passion, follow your dream—and think big!” was the advice of GIA president Bill Boyajian to an audience of job seekers during his “From Dreams to Reality” presentation. “Honesty and integrity build value. We’re in an industry where a handshake can seal a deal for hundreds of thousands of dollars, and if you develop good work ethics, you’ll stand out. Character is more important than personality.”

The event drew visitors from as far as Texas, Michigan, and Utah. One-on-one counselors—industry leaders who volunteer their time—advised hundreds of attendees, and every seminar was a standing-room-only affair.

“Over the years, I’ve seen hundreds of students launch inspiring and enriching careers via GIA’s Career Fair,” said Kathryn Kimmel, GIA’s vice-president of marketing and public relations, and creator of GIA’s Jewelry Career Fair. “This year has been no different. And to see former students recruiting and speaking makes it even more rewarding for me.”

GIA’s Jewelry Career Fair was created by GIA and The 24 Karat Club of Southern California, and the prime sponsor of the 2003 Carlsbad event was the JCK Publishing Group. Employers and job seekers interested in participating in the 2004 Jewelry Career Fairs in New York and Carlsbad are invited to call GIA’s Career Services office at (800) 421-7250, ext. 4195, visit www.gia.edu or e-mail careerfair@gia.edu for more information.