College of Engineering to Host More Than 170 Companies for Fall Career Expo on Thursday

College of Engineering to Host More Than 170 Companies for Fall Career Expo on Thursday

The University of Toledo College of Engineering will host more than 170 companies for its Fall Engineering Career Expo on Thursday, Sept. 24.

UToledo's College of Engineering is one of only eight in the country with an integrated cooperative education program, ensuring that engineering science students graduate with a full year of relevant work experience on their resume. Its semiannual career expos support students seeking these co-ops, as well as students and alumni seeking post-graduation employment.

Approximately 800 students and alumni are expected to network with company representatives at the upcoming expo, which is slated from 9 a.m. to noon in Savage Arena.

"The stellar reputation of our co-op program is one of the reasons that students come to The University of Toledo College of Engineering - and one of the reasons that companies list us as one of their target universities," said Geoffrey Humphrys, the assistant director of the Shah Center for Engineering Career Development. "The Engineering Career Expo is one of the most effective platforms for our talented engineering students and graduates to connect and network with our highly committed employers and alumni. Our students are working literally all over the world and truly making an impact on the global economy."

The college's long-standing co-op program supports a new experience-based learning initiative being rolled out across the University. Applied Skills for Career Experience, Networking and Development (ASCEND) ensures that all incoming undergraduate students, regardless of major, will engage in an experience-based learning opportunity before they earn their degree, setting them up for success in careers in a wide variety of industries.

The College of Engineering counts 27 corporate partners that routinely welcome cohorts of students for co-ops. Several corporate partners are set to participate in the Fall Engineering Expo, including Cenovus Energy, Douglas Co., First Solar, Libbey, Lincoln Electric, Matrix Technologies, Nexus Engineering Group, North Star BlueScope Steel, NSG/Pilkington North America, PCC Airfoils, Rudolph Libbe and SSOE plus four companies on the Fortune 500: Dana Inc., Marathon Petroleum, Owens Corning and Vistra.

Schaeffler Group, a global automotive and industrial supplier with a facility in Wooster, Ohio, is also set to participate alongside additional companies including Applied Environmental Solutions, Cook Medical, Midmark Corp., Monroe Environmental, Steris Endoscopy, Toledo Refining Co. and USG.

"Along with providing a great engineering education, The University of Toledo is one of the best schools for employers to secure co-op opportunities throughout the year," said Scott Schrader, director of industrial engineering at Schaeffler Group. "UToledo offers a three-semester rotation program that only a few other universities in the country have implemented. Personally, I've struggled to find co-op opportunities outside of the summer semester, but UToledo's program is designed to support both students and employers in maximizing the learning experience."

Blake Liffick, a senior studying chemical engineering, is among the students who have benefited from the Engineering Career Expos.

"As a freshman attending the career expo for the first time, I felt overwhelmed and unsure of how to approach employers - especially without any prior work experience," Liffick recalled. "I worried I wouldn't have much to offer. But I quickly discovered that the true value of the expo lies in building connections. One conversation I had that day led to a co-op opportunity the following year, and eventually two more rotations with the same company."

Liffick recently accepted a full-time position at the company where he completed his co-ops. He's set to launch his career following his anticipated graduation in December.

"The University of Toledo College of Engineering provides a powerful platform for students to network," he said. "And for many - including myself - it becomes a pivotal step toward launching a successful career."