June 27, 2005

Get Out of the Career Doldrums With a Gem of a Job

CARLSBAD, Calif., June 27 /PRNewswire/ -- If you're reading this, chances
are you're looking for a job that reflects who you really are and what you
really love.  So imagine yourself in a job where you are surrounded by rare
and beautiful objects.  Imagine a job where you are a part of the happiest
moments in people's lives.  If you can see yourself in a career that involves
creativity, glamour and luxury, then you should investigate the many job
opportunities available in the fine gem and jewelry industry.
    The Gemological Institute of America's (GIA) free Jewelry Career Fair is
the gem and jewelry industry's largest recruiting event of the year and a
great place to learn about the exceptional careers in this fascinating
industry.  Buying and selling diamonds and gemstones; designing and
manufacturing jewelry; and managing, owning or working for a fine jewelry
retailer are only some of the many exciting options available to you.
    You'll find that GIA's Jewelry Career Fair is more than a typical job
fair.  You will have the chance to meet with prospective employers to learn
about job openings, requirements, salaries and benefits.  But the event also
offers a slate of activities designed to provide you with insight into how the
jewelry industry works and how you can make your current skills and experience
relevant to employers.
    There are seminars devoted to helping you define career goals, market
yourself, and provide you with a host of other job-hunting tools.  The event
also offers free career coaching sessions where you can be "mentored" by
industry VIPs.  It's an opportunity to sit down, one-on-one with company
owners and executives, who willingly answer your questions and offer tailored
career advice.
    In the end, it's all about jobs, though.  The event typically attracts
more than 50 companies who recruit at Jewelry Career Fair -- many from the New
York area -- including Tiffany & Co., Saks Fifth Avenue, Fortunoff Fine
Jewelers, Zale Corp., Christie's, David S. Diamonds, Inc., Belenky Brothers
Kristin's Fine Jewelry, and Frederic Goodman Fine Jewelers.
    Employers look forward to Jewelry Career Fair as much as job seekers.  "It
gives us the opportunity to meet so many fresh and qualified candidates who
are passionate about jewelry," said Rahul Kadakia, senior vice president of
Christie's.  "We try to meet the next generation of specialists for Christie's
Jewellery Department."  Kadakia, a GIA Graduate Gemologist, is also a former
Career Fair job seeker who found his first job in the industry at the event.
    So if you're looking for a gem of a job and a career you can be passionate
about, be sure to attend GIA's Jewelry Career Fair July 29 at the Jacob K.
Javits Convention Center in New York.  Doors open at 9 a.m., and the event
runs until 3 p.m.
    To learn more about GIA's Jewelry Career Fair visit http://www.gia.edu or call
GIA's Jewelry Career Fair hotline at 800-421-7250, ext. 4100, or e-mail
careerfair@gia.edu.  Prime sponsor for the New York Career Fair is The VNU
Jewelry Group.