Qimonda job fair attracts hundreds

Hundreds of former Qimonda employees met perspective employers, did some networking and took skill assessment tests as part of a job fair and career open house today.

Seminars on managing finances while in career transition, crafting a transition resume and applying for jobs with the federal government also are being offered during the fair, held at Virginia Commonwealth University's School of Business and School of Engineering at 301 W. Main St.

The fair, which is only open to former Qimonda employees, runs until 3 this afternoon for jobseekers.

"What I'm really after is to find someone in the logistics industry who will sit down and talk to me," said Kristian Cauffman, an engineer with a degree in geology, who attended the fair. "I want to get away from manufacturing."

The event is being sponsored by VCU, the Greater Richmond Partnership and the Virginia Council on Advanced Technology Skills.

Eighteen employers are at the fair, as well as 10 others that work with entrepreneurs or offer educational training, said Mike Eisenman, director of the career center for the business and engineering schools.

Memory-chip manufacturer Qimonda idled its two production lines at its plant in eastern Henrico County this year, putting about 2,500 people out of work. The company filed for bankruptcy in February.

The semiconductor company has had a close relationship with VCU's engineering school. The company has an endowed chair and professorship there and had been the single largest employer of VCU engineering school graduates.

Qimonda has "done a lot for VCU," Eisenman said. "It's done a lot for central Virginia. We thought it was the right thing to do."