Wednesday, Sept. 30
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Chase Arena (Sports Center)
“What do you want to be when you grow up?” is a familiar question, but it takes on a different meaning at the University of Hartford’s Giant Career and Internship Fair on Wednesday, Sept. 30. With representatives from nearly 100 for-profit, nonprofit, and government organizations and departments, the fair will offer students the opportunity to explore a wide range of career paths and connect directly with potential employers.
For many attendees, the question is no longer simply about imagining a future career. They are preparing to enter the workforce, and some have already identified the professions they hope to pursue after graduation. The fair provides an opportunity to learn more about those fields, make professional connections, and meet with organizations seeking candidates for internships and full-time positions.
The Giant Career and Internship Fair will take place on Sept. 30 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Chase Arena at the University of Hartford Sports Center. Students and alumni are welcome.
"The quality of employers this year is exceedingly impressive, such as Hartford HealthCare, Travelers Insurance, Cigna, Eversource, General Dynamics/Electric Boat, CVS Health, Hartford Steam Boiler, and about 90 others," notes Ryan Polk, associate director of the Allan Center for Career and Professional Development. "It's our third year in the Chase Arena, which is a spectacular choice. The space allows us to have such a large number of representatives—as well as a large number of students. We're grateful to the athletic department for allowing us to take over the gym for this supersized and valuable event."
Approximately 1,000 students and alumni are expected to attend.
Lest anyone think it's a common meet-and-greet like so many career fairs, it's not! Prior to the event, the Allan Center hosted workshops to help students make the most of it, with services such as resume preparation, interview tips, networking ideas, and company research. Also, at the fair, attendees can have professional headshots taken (free of charge) to use as part of a résumé package to eventually send to prospective professional partners.
Those prospective partners are indeed diverse. In addition to those mentioned by Polk, others include representatives from a broad range of industries and business segments, including the Hole in the Wall Gang, the Connecticut State Police Department, Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense, Duncaster Senior Living, and Mohegan Sun, plus dozens of others. Many organizations not based in Connecticut will also be there, including UMass Memorial Health, the FBI, and Ben & Jerry's.
"I'd just like to point out," Polk adds, "that this year's fair has an extremely strong presence in the healthcare sector, with nearly every major hospital in the region on board to attend."
The University of Hartford's Giant Career and Internship Fair offers students a valuable opportunity to build connections and take meaningful steps toward their professional futures, whether they’re still exploring their options or preparing to begin their careers within the coming year.