Eastern Connecticut State University’s Center for Internships and Career Development (CICD) hosted its fall Career and Internship Fair on Oct. 23. Held in the Geissler Gymnasium, the event had 85 companies in attendance with 360 students eager to speak with potential employers.

The career fair welcomed organizations ranging from insurance groups to educational programs and facilities, health services, the five branches of the U.S. Armed Forces and many more. Planning an event of this magnitude takes time and diligent preparation, said Clifford Marrett, CICD director. “We normally start in the summer. We have continuing partnerships with employers, but we also have a team that goes out to recruit new employers.” The event also had student assistants take photos for LinkedIn profiles, help with coordination, hand out pamphlets and record feedback from students.

Students came dressed to impress with resumes, skills and strategies they learned from the CICD and research they did on companies of interest. “It’s a nervous process for many students,” says Marrett, “but the more practice you do, the better you become.” He also shared the primary mission of the CICD — “Making sure that we are helping students to understand their experiences on campus in relation to the world of work… To make sure students have an opportunity to engage with some great employers looking for some great talent.”

Students enjoyed the access they had to meet with prospective employers. Criminology major John Mendoza ’20 commented on the convenience of the fair. “Since I am so busy, to find that one hour or 30 minutes in between a class to walk over here instead of having to drive somewhere or looking online was a big plus.” After graduating, Mendoza hopes to go into hotel management at the Foxwoods Resort Casino. 

Business Administration major Charlee Grady ‘21 shared her experience at Yale University Properties in an internship she received through the CICD. “I wanted to learn marketing as a career choice, and this internship gave me the opportunity, audience and additional tools needed to do so.”

The CICD offers resume help, interviewing tips, workshops and one-on-one counseling, as well as guidance on how to arrange a LinkedIn profile and what professional attire to wear—everything that is needed for career readiness. “We want to make sure that what we’re doing on campus aligns with the skills employers are looking for,” said Marrett, “so we can helps students to make that connection with employers.”