The University of Connecticut’s annual Fall Career Fair ran on Monday, Sept. 29 in the Student Union. Hundreds of students eager for summer internships and job opportunities buzzed around, the rooms packed with UConn students both past and present.
On the first day of the event, over 90 tables ran displays, featuring both in-state and out-of-state job offerings for STEM students. On the second day, the event boasted 87 tables featuring internship and job opportunities in every sector of the job market. For the third day, there were 55 tables, including demonstrations run by the UConn Graduate School.
When entering the event, staff members for the Center for Career Readiness encouraged attendees towards the registration table and into the backpack storage rooms. There were also printing and resume reviewing rooms set up for attendees to correct and print out copies of their resumes. Many students showed up in suits and dresses, but this wasn’t a requirement for the career fair.
“I generally like looking at the opportunities — I love connecting in person, more so than the typical online, ghost calls or LinkedIn and Indeed,” said Jeffrey Rosborg, a fifth-semester student studying Political Science and Finance.
Rosborg was dressed up in a grey three-piece suit, a red tie and a pair of shiny brown dockers. When asked about his attire, Rosborg joked “Prepared? I didn’t know we were supposed to do that […] it was laundry day and it’s the only thing I had left in the closet.” In addition to his suit, Rosborg also brought his portfolio case, which he used to bring several extra copies of his resume.
While these formalities were appreciated, they weren’t strictly necessary, as most tables had websites and pamphlets for attendees to submit their resumes and contact information online, with some tables not accepting printed resumes.
Over 200 employers held demonstration tables this year, split over three days. Typically, the Career Fair is held in the Harry A. Gampel Pavilion; however, due to the construction on Gampel taking place this semester, the fair had to be moved to the Student Union.
While the career fair hosts companies from all over New England, one of its main goals is to provide opportunities for students to apply for jobs with in-state companies.
“Every year the commissioner organizes this fabulous event for our students,” Lieutenant Governor of Connecticut Susan Bysiewicz said. “We’re looking for the best and brightest and what’s great is UConn has 78% of its graduates who will stay in Connecticut.”
According to Wendy Kopps, a representative from corporate partner relations, and Jim Lowe, the Associate Vice Provost at the Center for Career Readiness and Life Skills, planning for this year’s fair began right after last year’s fair ended. There are companies that come every year and make donations towards UConn, which allows them the first pick of their table’s location. After that, familiar companies get to make their reservations, and then Kopps’ department reaches out to potential new employers.
“[We’re] looking for driven individuals, people who are graduating in the spring,” Sydney Gale said, a UConn alumnus running a presentation table with the Beacon Hill Staffing group.
The fair was an opportunity for students and employers alike, with heavy focus on getting UConn students into the job market. Outside of the career fair, the Career Center focuses on increasing the total amount of positive outcomes for UConn students. An outcome is considered positive if a graduated student is either employed or continuing their education; According to Lowe, UConn currently boasts a 92% positive outcome rate, meaning only 8% of graduates are searching for a job.
In Lowe’s words, the career fair is “all about connecting our great Husky talent to our great employers in this state.”
While the Fall Career Fair is over, the Center for Career Readiness provides tools for career building throughout the year. For those who couldn’t make the event, career.uconn.edu is a resource for meeting with career coaches, getting resume reviews, interview tips and free professional headshots Monday through Friday during operating hours.