Career and Graduate School Expo grows, but some students say their fields are missing

The Career Center hosted its semiannual Career and Graduate School Expo on Sept. 24. The fair had new changes by including more employers and including graduate schools on the same day. Some students said they benefited from this semester’s expo, but others felt it lacked opportunities in their field. 

Executive Director Career Services & Employer Relations Alison Ayers said the Career Center made changes based off of past student surveys. The Career Fair and Graduate Expo were hosted on the same day to benefit students who were looking for both a job and a potential graduate school. 

Preparations for the fair began during the summer. Ayers said she reached out to employers who have not come to the University before. Additionally, the fair invited graduate schools with a high number of Truman students. 

Ayers said the Career Center tried to select organizations that had opportunities for every student.

 “We did try to make sure at least every major had something,” Ayers said. “And if we didn’t get them this semester, we’re going to shoot for the spring.”

Senior Natalie Whipple, a senior studying business administration, said she struggled to find marketing positions in her field. Whipple wants to go into sports marketing. She said this was the first time that she attended and was looking for either an internship or full-time position. 

When talking to different booths, Whipple said many booths did not have many opportunities for her field. She said she saw several booths in the medical field and finance, but not many in marketing. 

“[There was] hardly any marketing, or any other business things other than finance or accounting,” Whipple said. “I want different options, not just the same four subjects…When 50 [booths] are all the same, it really doesn’t do much good.” 

Other majors felt like they had more opportunities. Junior Avery Walker, who is pursuing her degree in liberal studies on the pre-education track, said there were opportunities to talk to school districts.

Walker said she found the fair to be extremely useful. She said she was able to practice her elevator pitch to the school districts present. Ayers said more school districts are present in the spring semester’s Career Fair due to the hiring cycle.

“Overall, I would say it was very helpful and fun,” Walker said. 

Ayers said the fair had increased from 51 employers to 90 this fall and student attendance increased from 353 students to 467. 

The Career Center will continue this new model going forward. She said she hopes the fair can become a stronger part of Truman culture. 

“We want to make sure at least every student feels like it’s worthwhile to come,” Ayers said.