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