Pirates and Professionals Connect at Spring 2024 Business Internship and Career Expo

Nearly 40 organizations and 300 students and alumni attended the "Business Internship and Career Expo," hosted by the Career Center on February 28. Seton Hall's University Center Event Room was bustling with new connections and early career exploration conversations. The event was the first of a series of three industry-specific career fairs the Career Center will host during the spring semester.

Organizations from a wide variety of fields participated, and students were able to speak with business professionals and human resources representatives in areas such as marketing, healthcare, hospitality, financial services, technology, analytics, accounting, sports. Students from all class years and majors were invited to attend.

Throughout the two-hour event, students sought out information and advice about internship and early career opportunities. For students such as senior communication major Meghan Kelly, the timing of the event was ideal. Kelly commented, "Everyone has been willing to engage with me, which is refreshing. Since this is my last semester, it can be a very overwhelming time. But, every conversation, short or long, ended with a firm handshake and a business card, which gives me more confidence about the future."

Some students found new connections that led to opportunities to interview to learn more about various career opportunities. In fact, Julia Brown, a freshman diplomacy major noted, "I have an interview next week for an internship in the fall," says Brown. "So now, as a result, I can get actual in-field experience."

While participating organizations sought to attract candidates for internship and entry-level career opportunities, participating organizations also emphasized the importance of early engagement with students. Kate Devlin, director of Human Resources at Rymax shared, "We are looking for people who are organized, personable and driven," stated Devlin, reflecting on how important it for organizations to seek out students who are eager to learn and grow through experiential learning opportunities such as internship programs.

For other organizations, there was an emphasis on the value career fair events play on an organization's ability to increase their brand presence on campus. For instance, Ashley Dell’Olio, director of Internship Development at Northwestern Mutual noted their team has participated in the career fairs in recent semesters. Dell’Olio went on to share that their firm seeks, "students that have natural grit, who want to succeed and want to be involved in a very impactful way."

Other organizations such as BMW Group USA echoed similar sentiments. In particular, Lucas Kolka, an intern at BMW Group USA, emphasized the organization seeks students "who are involved on campus. Showing initiative with the school is a great way to show dedication and [a] work ethic."

Students from a wide variety of concentrations came out and connected with industry professionals to explore early career opportunities. Join the Career Center on April 24 from 6-8 p.m. in Bethany Hall for the STEM, Health, and Analytics Career Fair.

For more about the upcoming career fairs and other events, head to Handshake under the 'Events' tab, or follow the Career Center on Instagram under the handle @careercentershu. For individual assistance, schedule a meeting with your career advisor through Compass.

Categories: Business, Campus Life