What started as a single-day career fair has now grown into a full week of opportunity, inspiration, and connection.
The Mount's Career and Experiential Education Center expanded its annual one-day event into “Career Fair Week,” designed to help students feel confident and prepared for the record-breaking number of employers attending the Fall Career Fair on October 8, 2025. More than 275 students attended the Career Fair--a 14 percent increase over last spring.
This transformation reflects not only consistent growth in participation, but also a broader commitment to helping students build meaningful pathways from the classroom to hands-on experience.
“Thanks to our great partnership with MSJ’s Athletics and Facilities teams, we were able to host the Fall Career Fair in Harrington Gym, and the expanded capacity allowed us to host 25 percent more employers,” says Director of the Career & Experiential Education Center, Amanda Meeker. “By having more space, we are able to provide a greater diversity of employers and career-path options to students at the career fair, which was the culmination of our Career Fair Week.”
Resume Refresh Pop-Up Event & Experiential Job Shadow Day
Career Fair Week began with a drop-in Resume Refresh event, where students were invited to bring their resumes and get expert advice from Career Center staff. “Our Resume Pop-Up event was a great way to kick off Career Fair Week! Each student received personalized feedback to strengthen their resumes and boost their confidence. We’re excited to see this service grow and hope more students take advantage of it to put their best foot forward,” said Christin Reynolds, Career and Co-op Coordinator at the Mount's Career Center.
Career Fair Week continued with a Job Shadow Day, hosted at Q Labs on Oct. 3, which was students’ fall break. Students spent nearly a full day exploring their microbiology and analytical labs and experiencing the culture of working for a scientific laboratory. They also had the chance to meet with MSJ alumni who are building careers with Q Labs.
“I was able to actually see that I would enjoy the job of an analytical chemist instead of just thinking I would like it," one student participant said. "Take advantage of the opportunity if you get it, because it is better to learn that you don't like something now than when you actually start working.”
Alumni Career Panel & Career Fair SuccessContinuing to lead up to the Career Fair, five local alumni were featured speakers at Alumni Unplugged: Career Panel, on October 6. It was a packed house with more than 100 students attending! Students heard from alumni representing five different majors across three Schools, who shared real-world insights on building credibility, transitioning from college to full-time roles, and navigating professional life.
Dr. Williams welcomed everyone, followed by engaging questions and takeaways, leaving participants feeling more confident in applying professional skills to internships, co-ops, and early career goals.
“We couldn’t have reached this many students without the strong support of our faculty colleagues. A vast majority – 93 percent – of attendees reported the importance of being encouraged by their faculty members to attend,” says Meeker. “At the Mount, we collaborate to support our students’ success.”
As the week culminated in the career fair, employers and students were pleased with the outcomes. With more than 275 students attending the event, students reported having very positive experiences attending the career fair. For example, senior student Londynn said, “I had an awesome time at the Career Fair, gained new insights, made great professional connections, and met so many amazing Mount students along the way!”
“Students were professional, prepared, and a great match for the variety of co-op positions we are recruiting for right now,” said Jocelyn Geraci from Jostin Construction, one of the employers who attended. This sentiment was echoed by Shawnette Davis from Hamilton County Job and Family Services. “I was really impressed with how well-prepared the students were, both in how they were dressed and how they communicated their career intentions," says Davis.
Ready to Build Your Career Pathway?
Don't wait for the next event. Visit the Career Center page here to explore all our services and resources, or reach out directly to the team at career.center@msj.edu to schedule your personalized consultation.