News Summary
The University of South Florida’s Center for Career and Professional Development hosted an impressive Part-Time Job Fair, attracting around 1,500 students. This represents a 22% increase from the previous year, with 41 companies participating—41% more than last year. This event is vital for student engagement, providing opportunities to connect with employers and gain insights into the job market. Student feedback indicates high satisfaction and valuable networking experiences. Organizers aim to increase participation further, highlighting the growing importance of career fairs in students’ professional development at USF.
Tampa, FL – The University of South Florida’s (USF) Center for Career and Professional Development recently hosted a successful Part-Time Job Fair on September 3 at the Marshall Student Center, drawing approximately 1,500 students. This attendance marked a remarkable 22% increase compared to fall 2024, setting a new record for the USF Tampa campus.
A total of 41 companies participated in the Part-Time Job Fair, which is a significant 41% increase from the previous year’s event. Among the notable employers present were The UPS Store, Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA, and Pasco County Schools.
USF organizes various career and job fairs each semester, catering to different majors, including specific events focused on engineering and business. These fairs are crucial for students, allowing them to connect with employer representatives and explore potential job and internship opportunities.
Edson O’Neale, the student employment/JLD coordinator, underscored the importance of these events, stating that they serve as a platform for students to engage with employers. Each career fair features resources aimed at enhancing students’ employability, such as resume reviews and interview preparation tips.
Looking ahead, organizers aim to increase the number of companies participating in the Part-Time Job Fair from 41 to 50. This expansion will include both off-campus and on-campus employers. The recent fair was heavily promoted through Handshake, an online job and internship platform, alongside university emails to ensure maximum student engagement.
O’Neale mentioned that efforts made over the summer to strengthen relationships with employers have significantly contributed to the increased student turnout. Feedback from students indicates positive experiences at USF’s career fairs, with many finding valuable information and networking opportunities.
For instance, Kennedy Joyce, a sophomore biology major, expressed that attending a previous career fair enabled her to network effectively and learn how to approach recruiters confidently. Similarly, Della Powell, a senior in integrated public relations and advertising, attended the Selling Stampede Networking Event and deemed it beneficial for her career development, facilitating introductions to professionals across various fields.
The level of student engagement at these career fairs has been reported as enthusiastic, with attendees demonstrating a greater willingness to participate compared to previous years. O’Neale noted that students are increasingly interested in learning about available on-campus resources and are taking initiative to step out of their comfort zones to engage with potential employers.
These developments indicate a growing trend in student participation and employer engagement during career fairs at USF, reflecting the importance of such events in preparing students for their professional futures. The Part-Time Job Fair exemplifies the university’s commitment to supporting students in their career endeavors while simultaneously fostering relationships with a diverse range of employers.
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