The College of Engineering and Polymer Science (CEPS) hosted its biannual Career Fair for Engineering, Engineering Technology and Computing on Feb. 11, drawing hundreds of students and industry representatives eager to connect over co-op, internship and full-time opportunities. The event, organized by the College’s Co-op and Placement Office, once again proved to be a vital link between students and leading employers in the field.

With a diverse range of companies in attendance, students had the chance to explore career paths, network with professionals and showcase their skills. Employers were equally enthusiastic about meeting the next generation of engineers and technologists.

Employer Perspectives

"With over 200 employers in attendance, it was evident that the University has worked hard to maintain employer partnerships. The extra name tag printout was very helpful and I’ve never seen that at another university. Also, the gift card for lunch was a great idea. Overall, I’m very impressed." — Kayla P.

"There was always a great turnout and excellent engagement from students. Their passion for engineering was clear when speaking with most of them." — Joseph M.

"This was our first Career Fair, so it was exciting to speak with potential co-ops. For me specifically it was a unique experience to be on the recruiting side rather than searching for a job as I had graduated from The University of Akron. The benefits included connecting with potential co-ops, having face-to-face conversations with them, and gaining experience in presenting and discussing our technology and products." — Jordan A.

"In general, the Career Fair is set up well and very organized. It is always a great experience visiting the University for the event. Students from UA are well rounded in engineering, which is evident through their coursework and experience." — Bryce M.

"Akron is one of our most consistent schools that we recruit from. Students are well prepared and do well in positions within our organization." — Tracy T.

"Great students and a solid program. We love that they are strongly encouraged to complete three co-op semesters before graduation, as they are better prepared." — Andrew M.

"We love the UA Career Fair and have been long-time returners to the campus and will continue to be. We always have a great selection of candidates at each fair." — Jessica S.

Student spotlight

“To help students prepare for the event, the Co-op and Placement Office hosted a Resume Review Workshop, so I stopped by with fellow peer mentors! The workshop was staffed by HR professionals from local companies and allowed students to polish their resumes for the Spring Career Fair. I had my resume reviewed by Patrick Gibboney from Sherwin-Williams, the company that sponsors the Sherwin-Williams Career Accelerator Program for which I am a mentor. It was a fun and informative experience and we are now better equipped for the career fair!”

Nicholas Schafer
Majoring in Electrical Engineering, Student Mentor

#UAkronEngineering Student Experiences

"I definitely learned a lot from this experience. First, I realized that the way you dress significantly impacts how others perceive you. Additionally, preparation is key — I felt confident at the event because I took the time to plan what I was going to say." — Brian S.

"It was a great opportunity for networking and an excellent way for students to learn how to interact with employers while practicing their interviewing skills before graduation. I hope to find my summer co-op position for 2025 thanks to this fair or the networking." — Karima D.

"I was able to interact with employers I was already interested in working with as well as learn about new companies I had never heard of before. The Career Fair was great practice for speaking with employers and it helped expand my understanding of the types of companies engineers can work for." — William F.

"I enjoyed the opportunity to talk to a large number of companies and to get my name out there by handing out resumes and engaging with engineers in the real world." — Steven S.

"The variety of companies is the best part of the Career Fair. One of the benefits is receiving a list of potential employers, so even if you don’t get the chance to talk to all of them, you can still apply online or reach out." — Abbi A.

"This was a great opportunity to network and explore the various opportunities available. The face-to-face interaction with recruiters allowed me to represent myself more fully than I ever could with a simple online application." — Joey R.

"Seeing my classmates participate in the Career Fair made me feel less nervous and more comfortable. Physically handing my resume to potential employers felt more impactful than applying online." — Michael M.

Career Fair Impact

The Career Fair continues to be a cornerstone event for the College, reflecting its commitment to student success and industry partnerships. With nearly 99% of CEPS students securing full-time employment within six months of graduation, the strong turnout and positive feedback from both students and employers reinforce the event’s impact.

For students seeking additional career development opportunities, the Co-op and Placement Office offers ongoing resources, including resume reviews, interview coaching and networking events throughout the year.

RELATED CONTENT:

• Learn more about our Co-op and Placement Program
• Take a look at upcoming co-op events

Story by CEPS Marketing.

Media contact: Cristine Boyd, 330-972-6476 or cboyd@uakron.edu.