East Carolina University (ECU) was the place to be on October 17, 2018, for students and alumni eager to jumpstart their careers. ECU Career Services successfully hosted two pivotal career fairs at the Greenville Convention Center, designed to bridge the gap between academic talent and industry opportunities. The day was split into two focused sessions, beginning with the College of Engineering and Technology (CET) Career Fair in the morning, followed by the comprehensive Fall Career Fair in the afternoon, catering to all majors across the university.
The CET Career Fair, held from 9 to 11 a.m., was a hub for Engineering and Technology majors, as well as students from other disciplines keen on exploring careers within these dynamic fields. Over 100 employers, a mix of local and national organizations, were present, actively seeking to connect with the bright minds of ECU. This specialized fair provided an invaluable platform for students to delve into specific career paths and network with industry leaders in engineering and technology sectors.
As the afternoon session commenced from 1 to 4 p.m., the Fall Career Fair opened its doors to the entire ECU student body, representing a diverse array of majors. This larger event featured an impressive lineup of over 200 employers, illustrating the broad spectrum of career opportunities available to ECU graduates. Companies from various sectors converged at the Greenville Convention Center, all with the common goal of recruiting talented ECU students and alumni for internships, part-time roles, and full-time positions.
Both the CET Career Fair and the Fall Career Fair served as crucial stepping stones for attendees to forge professional relationships and even secure on-the-spot interviews. The range of participating industries was extensive, encompassing science, technology, business, government, and healthcare, reflecting the diverse academic programs offered at ECU and the multifaceted career aspirations of its students.
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 impressive statistic underscores the career fairs’ success in aligning student aspirations with real-world employment opportunities. Roberts further emphasized the goal of ECU Career Services: “Our goal is to create opportunities for students to establish relationships with employers that directly relate to their career goals.”
For those seeking to maximize their career fair experience and prepare effectively for future events, ECU Career Services offers comprehensive resources and guidance on their website: www.ecu.edu/career. The ECU Fall Career Fair 2018 events successfully demonstrated the university’s commitment to student success and its proactive approach to career development, connecting students and alumni with the pathways to their future careers.
