Fall Career Fair Returns In Person

November 9, 2021 - -
job recruiter in a wheelchair talking to a student at career fair

Returning to campus for the first College of Business career fair in over 18 months meant not just an opportunity to learn about potential job opportunities but underscored the importance of networking. The Ulmer Center has had four virtual fairs in the past year—October was the first in-person event since February 2020.

 “You just get a feel for people in person,” says Stephanie Williams, director of tax compliance for Aventis—a health care real estate company. “We’ve had a lot more activity than I expected—even more than some previous job fairs—which has been great. I love that we are back [on campus].”

The career fair saw 45 employers come to Swain Student Activities Center, including 14 first-time companies such as Aflac, Republic Finance, and Confluent Health, joining returning companies such as YUM! Brands, GE, and Aventis.

UofL senior Terrell Williams currently interns with Aventis and spent the afternoon at their table giving a first-person perspective to prospective students. He was excited to share his story with students looking to jumpstart their careers. “Getting that real-world experience working with [at Aventis] has been very beneficial…all of this been very enjoyable!”

The importance of in-person networking was not lost on the students, either. “Here, you can talk to everyone and stay as long as you like. I feel like I can explore my options,” says sophomore Arielle Dixon.

Economics major Jacob Bullock spent the afternoon getting familiar with the range of employers at the career fair. “I’m looking for an internship to get my foot in the door…being able to see all these businesses here helps remind me to keep an open mind because there could be opportunities here that I could really love doing.” 

Impact Numbers: Fall 2021

Virtual Career Fair:

  • Students (viewed/participated): 56
  • Employers: 19
  • One on One conversations: 87

In-Person Career Fair

  • Students: 85
  • Employers: 45

Resume Critique Days

  • Employer volunteers: 9
  • Student who participated: 23 (10 in person, 13 virtually)

Mock Interview Days

  • Employer volunteers: 13
  • Student who participated: 110 (44 virtually, 66 in person)