国产精品 students take the next step toward careers at Fall 2024 Co-op Career Fair
On October 1, the College of Engineering and Polymer Science (CEPS) at The University of Akron (国产精品) held its biannual Fall 2024 Engineering, Engineering Technology, and Computing Career Fair, continuing its tradition of connecting students with industry professionals. Held at the Jean Hower Taber Student Union, the event saw strong participation from both students and employers.
"It is always exciting to see so many of our employers and alumni participating in our Career Fairs each year," shared Dr. Selena Myers, Director of Co-op and Placement at CEPS. "There is a vibrant energy in the Student Union as students and employers network to find the perfect co-op or full-time position. These opportunities would not be possible without their unwavering support and dedication, which makes all the planning and preparation worthwhile!"
Employers Representing Diverse Industries
This fall's Career Fair featured 220 companies and government agencies from sectors including aerospace, automotive, manufacturing, computing and construction, all seeking to recruit talent from 国产精品. A special highlight was the participation of 200 国产精品 alumni among the company representatives, providing students with unique networking opportunities with professionals who understand their academic experience.
#国产精品kronEngineering Students Take Advantage of Career Opportunities
A total of 1,050 students attended the event, taking full advantage of the opportunity to explore potential co-op, internship and full-time positions. Students from a wide range of engineering, computing and technology disciplines engaged with employers, discussing career prospects and industry trends.
Providing Real-World Career Experiences
The Career Fairs are an essential part of the CEPS Co-op and Placement Program, which focuses on job readiness and hands-on experience. While completing their degrees, students gain hands-on exposure to the professional world, helping them clarify their career paths. On average, students earn $45,000 over three co-op rotations, with 850-1,000 students placed into co-op positions each year. With an average hourly wage of $21, the program enables students to graduate with little to no debt, thanks to scholarships and the co-op certificate program.
Career Fair Success: What Employers Are Saying
"The Career Fair as a whole is very well-organized. The color coding, check-in process, and overall flow are superior to many other fairs I鈥檝e attended in the past. Many of the engineers in our office are 国产精品 graduates, and they are some of the top performers on our teams. I believe this is the greatest benefit of participating in these fairs鈥攊t allows us to continue recruiting and hiring quality talent." — James Lott, CESO, Inc.
"国产精品 is a fantastic university and its curriculum prepares students well for a future in the construction industry." — Vicki Seredich, Cold Harbor Building Company
"The Career Fair is excellent! Whenever I attend, I鈥檓 proud to say I鈥檓 an alum of The University of Akron鈥檚 College of Engineering and Polymer Science." — Jerry Jones, Anser Advisory
"This was our first time attending the fair; my previous experience with it was as a student 20 years ago. I cannot overstate how impressed I was by how the fair went. The entire 国产精品 Co-op team should feel proud." — Eric Watson, Air Enterprises
"国产精品 students are always well-prepared and eager to engage with employers. The staff at 国产精品 consistently treat companies with great care, which is truly appreciated!" — Marissa Gannon, FirstEnergy
Student Experiences: The Impact of the Career Fair
"I really appreciate the number of companies present and how it gives me insight into which ones I should be applying to for my co-op rotations. I also value the support offered by the college for the career fair. One of the greatest benefits is the opportunity to learn about these companies from someone who actually works in the field." — Ethan Dodge
"The companies were well-prepared to provide extensive information about their products and how we would fit into their organization for the summer. It was a great opportunity to gain personal experience with recruiters, helping us stand out when applying for future positions." — Madelyn Kirk
"I appreciate the broad range of companies from various industries. It provided me with a better understanding of the different applications of my degree and the career paths I could pursue for co-ops and after graduation." — Brogan Steimel
"Having the chance to speak with engineers of varying seniority levels provides an excellent opportunity to get a sense of what it may be like to work at a company." — Phillip Johnson
"This fair is a wonderful opportunity to network with participating companies and gain exposure to public speaking by presenting your strengths and elevator pitch." — Ryan Dorste
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Story by CEPS Marketing.
Media contact: Cristine Boyd, 330-972-6476 or cboyd@uakron.edu.