Engineering student talks about available co-ops at Lubrizol during the College's fall career fair.
The fall career fair, held on October 4-5, returned for the first in-person fair since the start of the pandemic. In attendance were students in engineering, engineering technology, and computing programs of various class standing – over 1,300 students total. The fair provided opportunities to talk directly with hiring managers, explore the different career options, and even interview for open positions. For many students, this was the first time they ever talked directly with prospective employers.
“I had some adrenaline and nerves flowing but everything calmed down once I reminded myself that I could do this,” says Heather Richmond, majoring in mechanical engineering. “The co-op office prepared me for today. I walked up to my first company and killed the interview.”
Coordinated by the College of Engineering and Polymer Science’s Co-op and Placement Program, the event adhered to UA COVID-19 safety protocols such as requiring face masks and restricting physical contact, including handshakes. The career fair spanned two days to spread out the number of companies in the Student Union on a single day. A virtual option was also available.
Engineering student learns more about opportunities available at Fairlawn based Engineering Consultants Group.
Large, international companies such as Schaeffler, Diebold Nixdorf and Gojo Industries were present as well as successful mid-size regional companies like Crowder Construction Company and Powell Electrical Systems. Hiring managers were looking for both co-op and permanent positions. In total, 194 companies participated in the career fair.
"We love UA students," said Jason Winkler, President of Summit Construction Company. "Akron graduates are eager, well-prepared, enthusiastic, and well educated." Winkler, who graduated with a B.S. in Civil Engineering in 2001, continues, “Being back at Akron 20 years later is exciting."
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Media contact: Cristine Boyd, 330-972-6476 or cboyd@uakron.edu.