Major State Agencies Meet UHart Students at Second Annual Career Fair

Even more undergraduates attended this year than last, proving once again that University of Hartford students are serious not just about their own future careers, but about the health, safety, and prosperity of their communities. After all, most of those who choose to work for the state do so in order to make a positive difference in people's lives.

"They all ask such good questions," said Anna Prat, press secretary and social media manager for the state's insurance department. She noted that students come well-prepared to make the most of their discussions about careers, jobs, and potential internships-many of them advised by their professors in advance. "They're eager to find out how much experience is needed to work with us, where they can find out more information, and many other relevant topics."

Dozens of students moved from table to table, talking to department representatives and picking up brochures. Many of the tables also featured scannable QR codes to take students directly to departmental websites.

Ryan Polk, UHart's associate director of career experiences, said this year's event was as or more successful than last year's. Why? "This is the only career fair of its kind in the state," he said.

"What also helps, certainly, is that the Baby Boomers are retiring, and it's expected that Connecticut will need new employees. It's also nice to know that the state already has quite a number of employees who are UHart graduates. There are a few alums manning some of the tables here this morning," Polk said.

"A fair like this definitely gets students interested," said Curtis Eller, senior advisor for community outreach and engagement for Connecticut emergency services and public protection. Eller's department, like several others, is actively looking for summer interns.

"Getting as much information as possible is always beneficial," said Natalie Nicholson '26, who's studying accounting. "I'm looking for a summer internship, and believe it or not, even though it's mid-March, for some internships it's a little late. So when I saw the school e-blast announcing this career fair, I knew right away that I'd attend. In fact, some of my best friends work for the State of Connecticut."

That's also true for Jake Short '28, a sophomore studying computer science and engineering. "One of my friends worked for the department of transportation, so I decided to check out their booth-and all the others! I'm looking for something in software," he explained. "And if I don't get a good lead for the summer, or even for after graduation, I'll keep thinking and looking. But this is definitely a good start."