COLLEGE PARK, Md. (DC News Now) — People packed the Hotel at the University of Maryland Wednesday, not looking for a place to stay, but rather a chance at a new career.
Employ Prince George’s hosted the inaugural job fair for federal workers who lost their jobs as the federal government reduced its workforce.
“It’s amazing. I’ve had people walk up to me today and say they walked in with a heavy heart and no hope, and they’re leaving with opportunity,” said CEO/President Walter Simmons.
The job fair drew more than 2,100 people and 80 vendors from the public and private sectors.
“This is really great. I think it’s very helpful, useful and encouraging,” said Richard Yirenkya, who lost his job at the U.S. Department of Transportation in February.
Maryland is doing its part to help those impacted by the mass layoffs, as there are lots of jobs to be found around the state, according to Maryland’s secretary of labor. Her agency is doing what it can to help federal workers.
“We have, for example, a workshop every Wednesday morning for three hours for transitioning feds and federal contractors, helping them rewrite their resumes, understand how to prepare for maybe a big shift in career,” said Portia Wu.
Christian Lake, who worked as a contractor at the National Institutes of Health, said it’s been like “starting over” for him.
“It’s a little sad, honestly, because there’s a lot of people here that just probably have been in the federal government for 15 years, and then they finally say, I’m looking for a job,” he said.
Another federal worker job fair will take place March 15 at the Suitland Community Center.
