The fall Employer Connection Fair brought together 15 organizations and more than 90 students in Dewing Commons for an afternoon of conversation, exploration, and opportunity. From healthcare and finance to city planning and public service, employers shared insights into what they look for in interns and new hires. Most were currently hiring for summer interns, full time employees (after graduation), or both.

Students came prepared with résumés, questions, and curiosity. Many stopped by the Career Studio beforehand for a quick polish or confidence boost. Several employers mentioned how engaged students were. They weren’t “just there for the swag”.

“We had great conversations with all of the students that approached our table,” said a rep from Fastenal. “We primarily chose to attend the K College fair based on the reputation of K students and it exceeded our expectations.”

“It was a great experience attending the Connection Fair! The students were well prepared and were able to communicate their interests and goals effectively,” said a rep from Integrated Services of Kalamazoo.

The fair gave students a chance to have real conversations with employers, not just hand over résumés or submit applications into the void, hoping for the best. Those informal chats often led to learning about internships, what the day-to-day work life is like, or even advice on majors. Students got to practice introducing themselves, ask questions, and see how their interests connect to the world of work.

Bernice Mike ’26, a student Career Advisor with the CCPD wrapped it up nicely, “Talking face-to-face with employers is one of the best methods for finding out whether you want to apply to their company, and it is a great way to make positive first impressions while learning about potential career paths. Watch the CCPD’s social media for more updates about future events like this!”