Bellarmine Career Fair Provides Students with Professional Opportunities
By: Mason Sedelmeier
Bellarmine students will have the opportunity to connect with nearly 50 employers and local nonprofit organizations when the university hosts its Fall Career & Community Connections Fair on Sept. 10 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Quad.
The event, co-sponsored by Bellarmine’s Career Development Center and the Center for Community Engagement, will give students the chance to explore part-time jobs, internships and volunteer opportunities while building connections with local organizations in a variety of fields.
“We have about 25 corporate employers and 20 non-profits who will be there,” Dr. Liz Todd Byron, executive director of experiential learning and community engagement, said. “Their industries vary, matching the industries that are at our university.”
Some notable companies include Chick-fil-A, Humana, UPS, Kroger, Stock Yards Bank, among many more. Beyond simply meeting potential employers, the fair gives students a chance to practice engaging with companies and asking questions.
“I would advise students to come with an open mind,” Gina Stone, Kroger regional talent generalist said. “It’s okay not to know what you want to do. Ask for basic information about each company, including available internships, part-time jobs, or career opportunities.”
The fair is designed to be more than just a traditional job search. Students can use the event as an opportunity to network and learn more about potential careers even if they aren’t ready to enter the workforce.
“Any opportunity you get to network is going to grow your skills,” Byron said. “Even if this is not a stage where you need a job, this is going to give you that practice of selling and marketing yourself.”
No matter what their interests are or what they envision a career looking like, students can take away something valuable from attending. Whether it’s making a new connection or simply gaining experience talking with professionals, the event offers students an opportunity to explore potential careers.
“There is something for everyone at the Career Fair,” sophomore biology major Abigail Riegling said. “When I went last year, everyone was really nice, and they all had interesting things to share. I think you should at least browse.”
The fair also gives students an opportunity to practice introducing themselves, discussing their interests and asking questions in a professional setting. Those experiences can make future networking and job interviews more comfortable. With about 45 partners expected to participate, the Fall Career & Community Connections Fair offers a chance for all students to benefit.
“First-year students who might be new to the area can come to discover what employers are possible, and our sophomores and juniors can learn more about internships and find experiential learning,” Byron said. “Graduating students also have the chance to think about what jobs lie beyond Bellarmine.”
The Fall Career & Community Connections Fair will take place in Frazier Hall in case of inclement weather.
The event is also sponsored by Kroger and Cherry Bekaert Accounting Firm.
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