Villanova University’s Liberal Arts & Business Career Fair welcomed students and alumni into the Villanova Room on Wednesday, Feb. 5 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., offering an invaluable opportunity to connect with a diverse range of employers. The event provided a dynamic and welcoming space for networking, professional development and potential job opportunities. This opportunity was significant and attracted students of all class years, who were eager to explore their future careers.
Upon entering the fair, attendees were greeted by a check-in station, where they received name tags before stepping into the bustling event space. Rows of tables filled the room, each representing a different company looking to meet with students and gain insights into Villanova talent. Some of the companies who were present at the event included PWC, Merck, SEI and various other successful and highly-regarded groups. Professionals from a variety of industries were present, ready to engage in discussions about internships, full-time positions and a number of externship opportunities.
A particularly helpful and notable feature of the fair was the professional name tags, which clearly indicated whether the representative’s company was hiring for internships or full-time roles, allowing students to efficiently prioritize their conversations.
The event was structured to make the job-seeking process as smooth as possible. Students were encouraged to bring copies of their resumes, dress in professional attire and research the companies in which they were most interested. The open format allowed attendees to walk up to any table, ask questions and make meaningful connections without the need for prior registration. This accessibility made the fair an excellent resource for students at various stages of their career search, whether they were looking for their first internship or a post-graduation position.
“The career fair was a great opportunity to meet employers from a variety of industries,” junior marketing student James Manion said. “I was able to meet some hiring managers from internships I have applied for which was particularly helpful in terms of gaining more developed professional experience.”
As students made their rounds, many expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to speak directly with recruiters and industry professionals. The fair provided an inside look at company cultures, job expectations and potential career paths, making it a valuable experience beyond just job searching. Employers also benefited from meeting ambitious and talented Villanova students, strengthening the school’s reputation as a hub for top-tier talent.
Before leaving, attendees were asked to check out by completing a brief survey about their experience in order to gain insights and feedback on the event dynamics. As a bonus to completing this survey, those who participated received a free Villanova t-shirt as a thank you for their time participating and contributing to making the fair as successful as possible for the future. This final step allowed event organizers to gather feedback and continue improving career fairs going forward.
For those who missed this event, there are more career fairs to come. All Villanova students and alumni are encouraged to attend, regardless of major or class year. Overall, these fairs aim to provide a crucial step in building professional relationships and gaining insight into the job market.
“I really appreciate Villanova encouraging students to engage in these types of events in order to not only better ourselves, but to immerse ourselves in a greater part of the community,” junior finance student Adam Stuecheli said.
These opportunities have proven to be of incredible value to students and those who take advantage of these networking events. Career fairs like this are not just about finding a job or internship, but they help to further prepare students for life and professional development success after Villanova.
