To get your foot in the door, you first need to find your footing. Accounting first-year student Matthew Blomgren said he sees this spring’s career fair as a first step in taking advantage of the many career development opportunities at the University.
“A lot of people are scared to reach out to people by email or don’t know where to look, so this is a good starting point, to start communications that could introduce you to an internship and eventually a job,” said Blomgren, who is pursuing a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensure
Over 80 employers from big name companies came to Catholic University for the Center for Academic and Career Success (CACS) spring career fair on Feb. 3 to recruit students for internships and job opportunities.
“At Catholic University of America, we've maintained over a 90% job outcomes rate upon graduation and the career fairs definitely contribute to some of the success stories of those students and alumni,” said CACS Associate Director of Employment Relations & Assessment Ryane Cheatham.
In the days leading up to the career fair, CACS opened pop-up shops in the Edward J. Pryzbyla University Center offering resume assistance and mock interviews. University photographer Patrick Ryan also took free professional headshots for students.
Students who attended the fair on Friday could explore a wide range of career opportunities including in the non-profit sector, government, social work, education, research, defense. Ernst & Young LLP, the CIA, The Institute of World Politics, Quantum Space, Inova Health Systems, The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company, RK&K Civil Engineering, and the Museum of the Bible, to name a few, all came to recruit University students..
Mathematical finance senior Abigail Dembinski went to the fair looking for positions in finance and business.
“Just seeing and meeting people, networking— I think it helps us towards our future and it opens up opportunities for us,” said Dembrowski.
Inova representative Skye Bennett said she was especially eager to recruit from the Conway School of Nursing, which was recently named one of the nation’s top nursing programs.
“The Conway School of Nursing obviously produces remarkable nursing students,” said Bennett.”We're primarily recruiting medical roles, but also looking to offer any kinds of opportunities that we can for Catholic University students.”
Like many of the companies present, she said Inova has a “great partnership” with the University. She said Inova has a long history of offering opportunities for current University students and graduates.
“With the (Conway School of Nursing) expanding, we want to continue a great partnership with Catholic University,” said Bennett.”
A representative from civil engineering company RK&K said that they are recruiting for internships and full-time positions at the University in part because of an alumnus who is helping reshape the campus landscape.
“Our site design director is in D.C., went to Catholic, and then worked on the nursing school project. He’s a big booster for (the University),” said the recruiter.
CACS provides academic and career advising, academic planning, career development and programs and events throughout the year that help students flourish in their studies while preparing for a career. Visit the CACS website to learn more.
On Feb. 1, students networked on another level at a vocations fair hosted by Campus Ministry, Student Government’s Catholic Values and the Knights of Columbus. Representatives from over 30 religious orders came to speak with students one-on-one and led a panel discussion on vocation discernment.