Eastern Connecticut State University’s Center for Internships and Career Development (CICD) held three virtual career fairs during March and April. The fairs focused on fields of study offered at Eastern and included employers and representatives from corresponding careers and graduate programs.

For all three fairs students logged onto their Eastern Career Network accounts, where they could register for the respective date. At the fairs, students waited in queue to speak with available representatives during one-on-one video conferences. Along with the representatives, students could connect with members of the CICD via Microsoft teams if they had any questions or concerns.

Across all three fairs, students had the opportunity to meet with potential graduate program representatives from colleges and universities including Central Connecticut State University, Elms College, Assumption University, Johnson and Wales University, Northwestern University, Quinnipiac University, University of Connecticut’s Department of Public Policy and Iona College.

The first fair, which took place on March 10, featured accounting, finance, business, art, media and marketing industries. Along with graduate programs, students met with potential employers such as Chelsea Groton Bank, Enterprise, Chartwells, Northwestern Mutual and the Eastern Connecticut Center for History, Art and Performance.

On April 6, the second fair took place and focused on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), government and law, and health sciences. Among the employers present were police stations from surrounding towns and cities including Hartford, Nantucket, Simsbury and South Windsor. A number of companies involved in the healthcare industry also attended, including Pfizer, which had an extended waitlist of 30 minutes.

The final fair, which occurred on April 22, focused on careers in education and human services. Participants included several public schools from cities and towns across the state of Connecticut as well as from Boston, MA. Other employers included Food Corps Connecticut, Integrated Refugee and Immigrant Services (IRIS), Key Human Services Incorporated and City Year.

CICD Director Clifford Marrett said students adapted well to the challenges of a virtual event. “Overall, they are comfortable and familiar with the technology,” he said.

Marrett urged students to embrace the idea of virtual interactions. “Virtual interviewing is not going anywhere.” Claiming that interactions such as these are the future, he encouraged students to become comfortable with the setting.

The three spring fairs have allowed students to practice articulating their talents and experiences through virtual meetings, which Marrett says are skills they will need in the future. He also recommended that students keep an eye out for future CICD events, saying, “Events are for students who are looking to expand their network and knowledge as it relates to their individual career readiness preparation.”