University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Career Services hosted its annual career and internship fair this week from Sept. 16-19 at the City and East Campus unions.
Exmark Manufacturing, a turf equipment and commercial lawn mower manufacturer, has been coming to the career fair for around eight years. Amy Pethoud, a representative at the booth, believes that the career fair lets students learn about companies they might have never heard of.
“It’s a great place for us to get some kids down here and see what we do. Oftentimes they are looking at John Deer or Caterpillar, but we’re nearby where they can have an internship with us,” Pethoud said.
The career fair also hosts programs for higher education. Kansas University’s Master of Architecture program is hoping to encourage students to think about life after undergrad.
“We wanted to highlight our programs for any students that might be on the fence about if they’re ready to go into the industry, or if they want to pursue graduate education,” Anna Abernathy, KU School of Architecture and Design director of recruitment and enrollment, said.
Abernathy said many students who complete their undergraduate degree at a university decide to go to a different one for their masters degree. KU is there to give those students the opportunity to learn about their programs.
“It’s really important to build partnerships across institutions,” Abernathy said.
Carson Ahlers, a junior business management major, said this was his first time attending a career fair.
“I’m here for a class but also to gain insight into the next step in my career,” Ahlers said.
Ahlers said that the career fair is a convenient way to have employers all in one place.
“It’s nice to see what companies are interested in hiring people, like Mutual of Omaha, it’s easier that way,” Ahlers said.
Julia Clausen, a freshman computer science and graphic design double major, said the career fair is a good way to get ahead.
“I really wanted a jumpstart into my career, a lot of times for comp-sci or engineering, it’s really hard to get an internship if you don’t have prior experience,” Clausen said.
Clausen came prepared with a binder of resumes and an idea of companies she was interested in.
“I looked at who was at the career fair,” Clausen said. “I have my resume, information on the different booths, my personal notes after talking with the booths. I’m prepared.”
Each day of the fair focuses on different job paths. Career Services also hosts a variety of other career and internship fairs throughout the school year. They host the career and internship fair early fall and spring semesters.