ERIE, Pa. — The Spring All-Access Career Fair at Penn State Behrend featured 150 companies, including SpaceX, the Naval Nuclear Laboratory and Bayer U.S.
More than 820 job-seekers attended the Feb. 19 program, which offered two career tracks: a traditional path for college students near completion of their degree, featuring many of the companies that also recruit at Behrend in the fall; and a public option, open to all, for positions that do not require a degree.
The two-track approach was introduced at the request of recruiters, who often have hiring needs for multiple positions, including work that does not require a university degree.
“This was an opportunity to leverage the Behrend career fair, which already was one of the largest in the region, and connect companies with more candidates,” said Michelle Hartmann, associate director of corporate engagement at the college. “Nearly half of the companies we work with are looking for both college graduates and employees without degrees. This was another way we could help them while serving our students and encouraging new connections across our community.”
For Behrend students, the career fair is an opportunity to connect with regional and national employers, including Erie Insurance, Ellwood National Forge, Highmark Health and UPMC. Graduate and research programs also were represented at the spring fair, including the Software Engineering Institute at Carnegie Mellon University.
Students are encouraged to attend the career fair beginning in their first year at Behrend. The college’s new five-year strategic plan includes a target of 100% engagement in career-development programming in each of the first two years of undergraduate study.
Attending a career fair is just one step in that process, Hartmann said. The Career Services team at Behrend also offers résumé and cover letter reviews, guidance on salary negotiations and a Career Closet, where students can borrow suits, shirts, shoes and ties.
“The career fair is an important step in that process,” Hartmann said, “but it’s just one step. What happens next is often just as important: We encourage students to follow-up and build on the connections they made. That keeps you top-of-mind for an employer. That’s how you stand out.”