GIA’s 25th anniversary of its Career Fair takes place in Carlsbad

The event drew over 800 gem and jewelry enthusiasts
GIA’s 25th anniversary of its Career Fair takes place in Carlsbad

GIA’s celebration of the 25th anniversary of its Career Fair drew large crowds to Carlsbad, with over 800 gem and jewelry enthusiasts converging at the Institute’s coastal headquarters. The event took place on October 7.

The event unfolded with inspiring panels, one-on-one career coaching, education demonstrations and networking. Job seekers also had a chance to meet with 32 companies looking to fill hundreds of positions at experience levels across the value chain.

In the beginning was a discussion - “Job Success in Today’s Market,” a panel moderated by GIA President and CEO Susan Jacques. “It’s important not only to own the piece, but to own the story as well,” said Mary Todd-McGinnis, vice president of sales for Ben Bridge Jeweler. “Be smart, be aware, be educated and be nimble,” advised Mark Smelzer, publisher of JCK magazine and JCKonline.com. “Introduce yourself to people who don’t know you exist,” added recent GIA graduate Melanie Goldfiner, who now works for Rahaminov Diamonds Inc. Celebrity designer Martin Katz rounded out the panel with the inspiring story of his journey to success.

Later in the day, JCK magazine’s editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky moderated a lively panel on “Creative Careers.” Jordan Tabach-Bank, owner and CEO of Beverly Loan Company and New York Loan Company, said that he only hires GIA graduates for gemology-related positions, while jewelry blogger Danielle Miele of Gem Gossip said that her passion for the industry really ignited after visiting GIA’s Carlsbad campus for her birthday eight years ago. Jen Cullen-Williams, managing director of the Luxury Brand Group, who was honored with the 24 Karat Club of Southern California’s Rising Star Award the following day, told the audience that what started out as a passion for fashion PR evolved into a nearly-decade long career in the jewelry industry. Designer Mark Schneider told the audience that “Art got me through college.”


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