On September 24th, 2024, Union’s Becker Career Center hosted its yearly career fair. The fair consisted of 50 employers and graduate schools on a wide range of potential careers and master’s degrees. Students could choose to hear from many different areas of professional development for a broad range of career paths. 

Eight graduate schools ranging from UAlbany to Umass Amherst were present and were ready and willing to answer questions for students on graduate programs ranging from a master’s degree in accounting to PhD programs in physics.

 Students spent a few hours engaging with many different booths and a variety of different jobs present in the community. Some employers included GlobalFoundries, a leading semiconductor company, General Electric (GE), Goldman Sachs, a leading financial services firm, and regional companies such as the New York State Department of Civil Service, United Civil, and more. 

The Career Center has many different resources that students can explore over time and this ranges from one on one appointments to paper guides that can guide students through the internship and career process. Students can find these guides and book appointments through Handshake or by attending career center events such as popcorn pop ins. 

Anne Harris ‘28 and Hope Sanders ‘28 said that they were there “to get experience interacting with the community, so we know where to go.” Another student commented that “I’m looking to make connections and get experience and open up some opportunities.” 

Pete Fowler from the Career Center spoke about how one should, “Treat [the internship search] like a 4th course and be intentional about the research; it will take some time and effort,” Ultimately, is up to the student to work with the career center, and it is imperative that the student takes the time to engage with the resources provided for them to have a successful job and internship search.

The Becker Career Center will likely host its yearly career fair at the same time next year. Students can attend weekly events in the career center such as popcorn pop-ins, and career seekers collective. Students can walk in to the center from 9 am to 5 pm. Monday through Friday to schedule appointments and seek career guidance.