Hundreds of Florida Polytechnic University students meet with representatives of high-tech employers from throughout Florida and beyond at the annual Spring Career and Internship Fair on Tuesday, Feb. 13 at the Barnett Applied Research Center on campus.
More than 600 of Florida Polytechnic University students donned their most professional attire, printed out their resumes, and headed to the Barnett Applied Research Center this week in hopes of finding a job or internship with some of Florida’s leading employers.
“I’m looking at where I can get my foot in the door and doing a lot of networking,” said Lily Gass, a junior majoring in business analytics who was searching for internship possibilities at Florida Polytechnic University’s 2024 Spring Career and Internship Fair. “I think the range of opportunities here is amazing.”
The event attracted 64 employers to campus on Tuesday, Feb. 13.
“This is our first time here and we’re looking for electrical engineers and program managers,” said Kellie Konneker, a representative of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Huntsville Center. “This exceeded my expectations – it’s wonderful and the students are great and very engaging.”
For the first time, the career fair included an afternoon component in which employers hosted interviews, information sessions, or technical interview practice for interested students. About 40 companies took part, including employers like Barton Malow, the FBI, Honeywell, Aero Simulation, Saddle Creek Logistics Services, and the Florida Department of Transportation.
“Employers sometimes wonder what the value of a career fair is, and the value is making sure they connect to the right talent,” said Allison Pirpich, director of career services at Florida Poly. “Employers are excited to have more in-depth conversations, and some are interviewing students right away. We’re excited to see the result of interviews on campus. We know one of one offer given already."
Anthony Borno, a sophomore majoring in mechanical engineering, seized this opportunity and planned to meet with TriNova and the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Panama City Division.
“I really like how the fair gets you out there so you can meet new people, and then the sessions let you get to know more about the positions without everyone in a big group – it’s much more in depth.”
LineWorks Engineering was among the companies that chose to host an information session.
“I’m excited about it,” said M. Shawn Greene, chief operating officer at the company. “We will fill probably at least two internship positions today and we have several open positions that we hope to fill this week.”
In the days before the career fair, Florida Poly’s Office of Career Services hosted its career fair preparation week, providing students with resume and interview assistance, elevator pitches, and even professional clothing resources.
“These students have definitely gotten some coaching and it shows,” Greene said. “It’s nice to see a university that’s so invested in getting their folks jobs.”
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Lydia Guzmán
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