UW College of Business Career Fair Connects Students with Employers

The University of Wyoming College of Business hosted its annual career fair and Meet the Firms events in the Jonah Bank Atrium Wednesday and Thursday, Sept. 16-17, bringing employers from across Wyoming and the region to campus to connect with students about career and internship opportunities.

A total of 497 students attended the career fair, including 360 College of Business undergraduate students and 76 students from outside the college.

"The Career Fair provides students with direct access to employers, allowing them to build professional networks, explore career and internship opportunities, and gain confidence engaging in a professional environment," says Justine Tydings, assistant dean and director of the Peter M. and Paula Green Johnson Student Success Center. "Just as importantly, it encourages students to begin career exploration early, helping them better understand how their college experiences can prepare them for meaningful careers after graduation."

Tydings says employers consistently provide positive feedback about UW students, particularly noting their professionalism, preparation and willingness to engage with employers.

"Employers consistently share how impressed they are with the caliber, professionalism and preparation of our students," she says. "They are particularly encouraged to see students beginning career exploration early in their college experience, with even first-year students taking the initiative to introduce themselves, build connections and learn about future opportunities."

For employers, the career fair provides an opportunity to connect directly with potential future employees while increasing their visibility among UW students.

"Employers largely gain exposure to our students at the fair; it's a great way for them to build their brand," says Sena Krula, employer relations coordinator. "Even if they aren't hiring during the fair, attending is a great way for them to continue to be present on campus so that, when they are hiring, plenty of students know about their company and are eager to apply."

Krula says the events also give employers opportunities to build relationships with UW faculty and help students explore potential career paths.

"In addition to our great career advisers, our students look to our faculty champions when it comes to finding a place to build a career," she says. "Not only do employers get to showcase their companies, but they also showcase their experiences to our students and can help guide those students who may be undecided into a major that fits their needs."

Businesses and students had another opportunity to connect during the Meet the Firms event, which is focused on accounting and finance.

Meet the Firms, which took place Sept. 17 as part of the College of Business' annual events, gave accounting and finance students an opportunity to connect specifically with firms and learn more about careers in their field.

"Our CPA firms like having Meet the Firms as its own event because it gives them the opportunity to speak with students who are seriously considering becoming CPAs and also to promote accounting as a career," Krula says. "They enjoy talking with our faculty and seeing some familiar faces who may have taught them when they were on campus."

Krula says Wyoming-based employers also have shown a strong interest in connecting with UW students.

"Wyoming companies really want to see more Wyoming grads stay in Wyoming, so we've seen a great showing from our Wyoming-based employers," she says.

These annual events provide UW students with opportunities to begin building professional relationships and exploring career options while still in college, organizers say.