Students share insights from College of Engineering fall career fair

With employers from across the region eager to meet future engineers, Lamar University's College of Engineering hosted its annual Fall Career Fair, giving students the chance to network, explore internship opportunities and connect with industry professionals in their fields.

We spoke with several student attendees about their experiences at the fair and what opportunities they're most excited about this semester.

Ebuka Nwosu, senior field engineer at PCL Construction

"I got my job from a career fair here at Lamar, so it's kind of like a full circle moment getting the chance to come back and offer internship positions or jobs to students. It's really nice for me to have that opportunity to give back to the university that [I] came from."

Hannah Cherry, sophomore chemical engineering major

"The value of the career fair for me would personally be the opportunity to network with companies and talk about your future career path and your future in the industry."

Courtland Carmouche, senior mechanical engineering major

"As opposed to going to online job boards where you don't really get that much of a connection, going to the career fair allows me to see the people who are actually working in the industry that I want to work in, and I can make an actual connection with them."

Micah Hampton, senior electrical engineering major

"This past career fair, I had the opportunity to see it from a new perspective, as a senior and as the president of a student organization. Helping underclassmen prepare through resume workshops and info sessions showed me just how intimidating the career fair can seem at first. But the truth is, it's so much more than just an event with fancy suits and recruiters. It's a chance to grow. The resume critiques, info sessions, and volunteer opportunities all contribute to a valuable and enjoyable experience. Even if you don't walk away with a job offer, you're building connections, gaining confidence, and surrounding yourself with peers who are striving toward the same goals. I'd absolutely encourage every student to take full advantage of the Engineering Career Fair; it's an experience that pays off in more ways than one."

Alex Paulino, senior mechanical engineering major

"The career fair, to me, is the highlight of each semester here at Lamar University. Not only does it prepare you for professional conversations with employers; it also is the best way to obtain engineering experience via co-op and internship opportunities."

Clarabelle Tran, junior chemical engineering major

"Attending the engineering career fair this fall gave me valuable exposure to a wide range of companies all in one place. It allowed me to explore different industries and career paths in a single afternoon, while also providing a professional environment to network and connect with recruiters. In the beginning, I was nervous since it was my first time attending the career fair, but as the afternoon continued and I spoke with more companies, I realized how encouraging and welcoming the recruiters are. By the end of the day, I felt more motivated about my future career and grateful for the opportunity to be able to meet a variety of company recruiters."

To learn more about the College of Engineering, visit https://http://www.lamar.edu/engineering.