More than 250 students made steps toward their professional futures as the Career and Experiential Education Center (CEEC) hosted its Fall 2026 Career Fair.
With over 30 employers representing industries from healthcare and education to business, technology, and social services, the event offered students an afternoon of meaningful conversation, access to opportunities, and hands-on experience navigating a professional setting.
Held on campus, the Fair brought together students from across the Mount’s undergraduate and graduate programs, who came dressed in professional attire, résumé in hand, ready to make their first impression count. Tables lined the room with familiar regional employers alongside new partners, each eager to connect with Mount students and graduates about internship openings, co-op placements, and full-time positions.
In photo: Students and employers at the MSJ Career Fair.
Career Momentum at the Mount
The Career Fair is one of the CEEC's flagship events each semester, designed not simply as a résumé drop, but as a genuine space for students to practice their professional voice and begin building the relationships that lead to opportunity. For many students, it represents their first real conversation with a hiring manager, and for others, a chance to reconnect with employers they have already worked with through co-ops or internships.
This fall's turnout reflected the growing momentum behind the Mount's commitment to career readiness. Students arrived throughout the afternoon, some stopping by between classes and others making the event the centerpiece of their day. Many came with specific employers in mind, having researched companies in advance and prepared targeted questions. Others came to explore, taking time to move through the room, learn about industries they had not considered, and leave with a clearer sense of where their degree might take them.
Conversations at employer tables ranged from casual introductions to substantive exchanges about hiring timelines, skills employers are looking for, and what it actually looks like to work in a given field. Several employers noted the quality of preparation among Mount students, as well as their willingness to engage, ask thoughtful questions, and articulate what they bring to the table.
In photo: MSJ students engaging with employers at booths.
A Vision for Career-Ready Graduates
In the days leading up to the Fair, the CEEC offered resume review drop-ins, mock interview practice, and professional attire guidance. Students were encouraged to research participating employers in advance and come with a clear sense of their goals, whether that was landing an internship, learning about a field, or simply getting comfortable in a professional setting.
Dr. Jessica Schueller, Director of the Career and Experiential Education Center, reflected on what makes the Career Fair one of the most valuable experiences the CEEC offers students each year.
"Career fairs are one of those rare spaces where students can see, in real time, that employers want to meet them, and that they are not just sending résumés into a void, but stepping into a community of professionals who are genuinely interested in what MSJ students have to offer," said Dr. Schueller. "What I hope every student walks away with is not just a contact or a lead, but a sense of confidence. The ability to introduce yourself, articulate your skills, and ask good questions is key and every conversation at an event like this makes you better at it. That is career development in action."
Dr. Schueller also noted the Fair's role in the university's broader vision for student success. "Events like the binannual career fairs are a cornerstone of the Career Ecosystem we are building at MSJ—one where every student, in every program, has consistent access to the kinds of experiences that prepare them for life after graduation."
Make the Most of What the CEEC Has to Offer
Whether you attended the Fall Career Fair or are just beginning to think about your professional path, the Career and Experiential Education Center is here to support you at every stage of your MSJ journey. Stop by the CEEC to schedule a one-on-one career coaching appointment, get feedback on your résumé, explore internship and co-op opportunities, or start planning for our Spring Career Fair. Appointments can also be made via email (career.center@msj.edu) or via Handshake.