GIA’s New York Jewelry Career Fair Draws Hundreds of Motivated Professionals
Nonprofit institute connects recruiters with more than 800 job seekers, July 28
NEW YORK – Aug. 4, 2014 – More than 800 hundred ambitious and aspiring professionals packed the Javits Center on Monday, July 28, where 44 companies were looking to fill hundreds of positions at the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) Jewelry Career Fair. The jewelry industry’s largest recruiting event drew crowds for job opportunities ranging from an on-air television host to design, manufacturing and sales positions. The program also featured one-on-one career coaching with industry veterans and a panel discussion led by top names in the jewelry business.“Jewelry has been an important part of cultures throughout the world for centuries, and the success of this year’s GIA Jewelry Career Fair is a good indication that the jewelry industry not only continues to thrive, but is evolving tremendously. At this year’s event, we saw openings for traditional careers in manufacturing and retail sales, and also in a plethora of growing fields such as rental jewelry,” said Susan Jacques, GIA’s president and CEO.
The five-hour event kicked off with “Job Success in Today’s Market,” a panel discussion moderated by Jacques. Speakers Mercedes Abramo, president and CEO of Cartier North America; Ashley Chan of Leslie Hindman Auctioneers; Andrea Hansen, partner of Luxe Intelligence and president of the Women’s Jewelry Association; Douglas K. Hucker, CEO of AGTA; and Steven Lagos, founder and chief creative director of LAGOS Jewelry; gave attendees exclusive insight into their personal journeys to success.
“It’s an honor and a privilege to hear from such illustrious professionals,” said Kathryn Kimmel, GIA vice president, chief marketing officer and co-founder of the GIA Career Fair. “Each of our panelists has inspired countless individuals through their unique and storied journeys to success. The next generation of gem and jewelry professionals has big shoes to fill, but with the mentorship and guidance of these pioneers, I can’t wait to see what they accomplish.”
David Yurman, Helzberg Diamonds, GIA, Jewelry Television, London Jewelers, Rent the Runway, and Zale Corporation were among the 44 companies recruiting for hundreds of positions from retail sales and jewelry design to diamond grading and production. Job seekers had the opportunity to interact directly with hiring managers and learn first-hand what kind of skills each company sought.
GIA hosted its first Jewelry Career Fair in 1991 in Santa Monica, Calif. Since then, the event has expanded and linked gem and jewelry companies with future employees at more than 50 events in India, and a handful of cities throughout the U.S. The next GIA Jewelry Career Fair will take place on Friday, Oct. 10 at the Institute’s world headquarters in Carlsbad, Calif.
For more details about GIA’s Jewelry Career Fair, visit www.careerfair.gia.edu. For job opportunities in the gem and jewelry industry, visit GIA’s career database at http://www.gia.edu/gem-job.
