Partnering with over 70 employers, the 91ֿ career fair, hosted by Career Exploration and Development, provides students with career and networking opportunities that prepare them for life after graduation.
Career fairs have proved to be successful events semester after semester for students and employers alike.
Keturah Kneuss, assistant director of Career Exploration and Development, says students have reported the career fair has been instrumental in helping students gain confidence, improving their ability in speaking, and gaining knowledge of organizations they were unaware of and alternative paths after graduation.
"It’s a learning event for our students,” Kneuss told 91ֿ Today. “Learn how to have that professional conversation, learn how to sell yourself through an elevator pitch. The fair gives you the opportunity to possibly connect with your future employer.”
The career fair, held on Wednesday, Feb. 25, in the Kent Student Center Ballroom, welcomed students to explore career opportunities. By fostering deep partnerships and industry connections with global brands like Disney and regional leaders like the Cleveland Cavaliers’ Rock Entertainment Group or First Commonwealth Bank, 91ֿ provides students with open access to the professional world.
Students had the chance to take headshots, distribute resumes and learn about numerous career opportunities.
Saumi Chatterjee, MA ‘25, agrees. While looking for jobs, Chatterjee uses the career fair to network with professionals to seek out potential roles.
“This is a nice opportunity for me to find a job,” Chatterjee said. “I can network with people and getting to know about different roles is also interesting. It expands knowledge; learning about the corporate environment and what to expect. The fair is preparing me for that.”
It's not just students who benefit from the career fair; employers are seeking out new talent to fulfill roles within their companies. 91ֿ has equipped students with skills that employers are looking for.
The strength of these industry connections is often bolstered by 91ֿ’s expansive alumni network. For many employers, returning to campus is about more than recruitment; it’s about reinvesting in a culture of excellence they know firsthand.
Aysia Kemp, BBA ‘20, senior people and culture coordinator at Rock Entertainment Group, knows the 91ֿ experience and wants to give back.
“We are connected with other universities, but I am a 91ֿ alum,” Kemp said. “We wanted to come and build the relationship so we can continue to bring in fabulous 91ֿ students to our organization.”
91ֿ students shine bright, and employers know that. But coming to events like the career fair can still be nerve-wracking. It can be hard to put yourself out there and have the strength to be confident in your skill set.
“The career fair gives students the opportunity to work on their networking skills,” Kneuss said. “Working on introducing themselves professionally, being able to hold a professional conversation, talking about their skills, abilities, values and interests to someone that might be able to offer them a job.”
Not only is the fair an opportunity to network, but it’s also a learning event. You gain valuable skills from these experiences that help land roles after graduation.
Katie Achterhof, director of enterprise improvement at City Year, understands the student experience and wants the best for them.
"I hope that students walk away with some confidence that they have the skills, the passion, and that there are opportunities out there,” Achterhof said. “It can get overwhelming, so walk away knowing you have employers interested in you, and show your best self because you are great.”
Izzy Radak, business office manager at Inspire Kids, offers advice for students to make the most out of the career fair.
“Be yourself, have fun,” Radak said. “I always remember people who are excited and happy to be here and show a lot of interest.”
Students are wanted, and companies are ready to take on students with a variety of hard and soft career skills.
Kneuss has seen the demand for students during these fairs. She mentions that employers will have interviews the next day, or even the day of, that lead to offers.
“I hope students feel inspired and excited about their future and that there’re really great companies out there that would love to have them,” Christina Vegh, youth enrichment director from the Akron Area YMCA, said.
Learn more about Career Exploration and Development resources.