East Carolina University (ECU) Career Services successfully hosted two pivotal career fairs on October 17, 2018, at the Greenville Convention Center, designed to bridge the gap between its talented students and alumni and a diverse range of employers. These events, the College of Engineering and Technology (CET) Career Fair and the Fall Career Fair for all majors, provided invaluable opportunities for career advancement and professional networking.
The day commenced with the CET Career Fair, running from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. This focused event specifically catered to students majoring in Engineering and Technology disciplines, as well as those exploring career paths within these dynamic sectors. Over 100 employers, representing both local and national organizations, were in attendance, eager to connect with the future leaders and innovators emerging from ECU’s esteemed programs. This concentrated session allowed students to engage deeply with companies directly relevant to their field of study, fostering meaningful conversations and potential internship or job prospects.
Following the morning’s success, the Fall Career Fair, open to students from all academic majors at ECU, took place from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. This larger event saw participation from over 200 employers, reflecting the broad spectrum of academic disciplines and career aspirations within the ECU student body. The fair was a vibrant hub of activity, connecting students and alumni with recruiters from various industries, all under one roof. Attendees had the chance to explore diverse career pathways and discover opportunities they might not have previously considered.
Both career fairs were instrumental in providing ECU students and alumni with direct access to potential employers from across the nation. These employers were actively recruiting for a variety of positions, including internships, part-time roles, and full-time employment opportunities. The events served as a crucial platform for attendees to establish professional connections, network with industry professionals, and even secure on-the-spot interviews. Industries represented at the career fairs were diverse, spanning science, technology, business, government, and healthcare, ensuring relevance for students from every college and department within ECU.
Patrick Roberts, Associate Director for ECU Career Services, highlighted the effectiveness of these events, stating, “According to recent ECU student survey responses, 93 percent of students that attended a previous career fair discovered at least one employer related to their major or career interests.” This statistic underscores the significant impact of ECU’s career fairs in aligning students with relevant employment opportunities. Roberts further emphasized the university’s commitment to student success: “Our goal is to create opportunities for students to establish relationships with employers that directly relate to their career goals,” demonstrating the proactive approach of ECU Career Services in career development.
For those seeking to make the most of future career fair opportunities and to prepare effectively, the Career Services website at www.ecu.edu/career remains a valuable resource, offering guidance and suggestions for career fair preparation. The ECU Fall 2018 Career Fair events successfully reinforced the university’s dedication to fostering career readiness and facilitating meaningful connections between its students and the professional world.
