Lamar University's department of engineering hosted a career fair at the Sheila Umphrey Recreational Sports Center’s gymnasium, Sept. 12. With more than 80 companies present, students had the opportunity to network with professionals to learn about opportunities within their industry.
“I would like to learn what an engineer would be able to do once entering the engineering space and actual workforce, just to have a better understanding of what I can do and how I can apply my schooling in the workforce,” mechanical engineering junior Courtland Carmouche said
Students prepared for months leading up to the career fair, Karli Padilla, Director of Operations for the College of Engineering, said.
“Our students work hard for years to get their education, but also to prepare to be career ready,” she said. “At the career fair, they get this opportunity to meet employers for internships, co-ops, and full-time employment.”
Career fairs offer students an opportunity to network with employers. LaJasmine Fitch, Talent Acquisition Supervisor at Kuraray America, said students should talk to everyone they.
“You never know who's going to be that person that'll open up the door for you,” she said.
A student talks with a representatives from Ragle, Inc. during the College of Engineering Career Fair, Sept. 12, in the Sheila Umphrey Recreational Sports Center. UP photo by Jill Stokes.
Outside of networking opportunities, the Engineering Career Fair gave students the chance to learn more about their industry, and how to set themselves up for success when entering the workforce.
“Keep your options open and apply to as many internships as you can, they are valuable learning experiences that will allow you to see real world applications to concepts that are learned in school,” Jared Marek, Lamar alumni and a graduate engineer at the San Jacinto River Authority, said. “They will also give you a better idea of what options will be available to you as you seek a full-time position. I would also encourage everyone to attend the career fair. It is full of employers that want to hire you.”
Senior Jase Gault said the fair allowed students not only got to learn more about within their particular emphasis, but also for engineering as a whole.
“What brought me to the career fair was mostly the amount of companies that come in,” he said. “It's a really great opportunity to try to learn more about different industries and be able to put in a job application and get my name out there.”
For more, visit lamar.edu/engineering.