Brianna Wallen- News Editor
With a new season comes new opportunities for students to seek experience in their desired field. Especially for seniors who are graduating this spring, it is more important now than ever for students to learn about internships, jobs and post-graduate positions.
For this reason, the annual “Career and Internship Fair” was held for students, alumni and staff to attend and take advantage of the resources available. On March 6, the Adanti Student Center Ballroom was filled with booths from multiple companies offering jobs, internships and opportunities for participants to gain experience.
However, this year, the fair stood out from the events done previously. The “Career and Internship Fair” focused specifically on business, STEM and manufacturing.
Assistant Director of the Office of Career and Professional Development Rachel Cunningham-Exavier said that in the previous years, the event was a career fair for all majors. This year, the career fair ran for multiple days and was categorized into various fields.
“We broke it up because we want students to be able to see that no matter what their major was, they could see opportunities for them in various industries,” Cunningham-Exavier said.
By separating the fair into different sub-groups, it allowed greater emphasis on opportunities for specific interests that students have. Through this event, students could network in a professional setting and take advantage of the opportunities available to them.
Cunningham-Exavier said she hoped students showed themselves off as qualified candidates and ensured that they discovered companies that suit their needs.
“I hope they gain relationships with different professionals in the industry and see the vision of the different companies,” Cunningham-Exavier said.
Cunningham-Exavier’s aspiration for this event was fulfilled, as students shared the support that the career offered them.
Computer science major Kayla Ortiz, a senior, said that she attended the event to gain more information about internships and entry level opportunities in her major.
After speaking to multiple representatives from various companies, she found a few open positions that she was interested in.
“Multiple firms are willing to offer internships for recent graduates,” Ortiz said. “I’m interested in Yale & MIT.”
The event helped direct Ortiz on the right track. She said she did not know where to apply for jobs before the event.
“It helped me get a step into the field by providing multiple assistance with programs,” Ortiz said.
The event was not only helpful to seniors. Business major with a concentration in management Mialexandra Valenzuela, a freshman, said that from attending the event she was able to learn more about what she wants to do in her future.
“I’m definitely just getting started and finding a career, but it can connect me to future employers,” Valenzuela said.
With recruiters ready to help interested students, it can make the job application process easier. Computer science major Shafqat Mashrakey, a senior, said that the fair helped him navigate the job market as he prepares for graduation.
“It was helpful when it came to understanding the job market right now,” Mashrakey said, “especially in a competitive field.”
