Career Fair Returns to Campus with Hundreds of Students Participating
Photos by Eric Roe
With COVID-19 protocols in place, it has been difficult for students across the country to make meaningful connections with potential employers. But while many schools have only offered virtual career fairs, Wentworth Institute of Technology was recently able to bring their event back to campus.
The October 5 CO-OPS + CAREERS Fall Career Fair allowed students and employers to meet in person to exchange business cards and resumes and conduct real-world conversations through timed entries in Tansey Gym.
“Having an in-person fair was awesome,” said CO-OPS + CAREERS Director Robbin Beauchamp. “It was great to actually see our students, professionally dressed, entering in person.”
Beauchamp’s office had organized five virtual recruiting events between 2020 and earlier this year. But feedback from participants suggested that a physical event was more desirable. Within a brief time after hearing of the return to campus, hundreds of students registered and employer spots sold out.
To mitigate the risk of COVID-19 transmission, the number of participants allowed into the gym was limited through staggered entry times. There were no handshakes and masks had to be worn at all times with booth sizes also expanded dramatically for distancing. Only students seeking co-ops in the spring and summer, as well as graduating students, were invited, unlike previous fairs, which were open to anyone.
Four-hundred and twenty-one students checked in to meet 73 employers in three hours time. Novo Construction served as the premium sponsor with Bond, Dacon, ESC, and HTS also sponsoring the event.
“The fair itself went flawlessly. Everyone followed COVID protocols and the feedback from employers is incredibly positive,” said Beauchamp. “They felt comfortable in this environment, and we will plan to host our spring event in person as well.”