On Wednesday, March 15th, the College of Aeronautics and Engineering hosted their biggest Career Fair to date. Over 40 companies attended, talking to students about possible career opportunities and internships. The fair, which is held each semester, featured companies from both the engineering and aeronautics sectors to cater to all College of Aeronautics and Engineering students and alumni. Company tables spanned the entire Aeronautics and Technology Building second floor atrium, hallways, and into one of the computer lab classrooms. In the first floor atrium, representatives from Career Exploration and Development heard elevator pitches from Professional Development students.
Semilore Akintelure, a College of Aeronautics and Engineering Graduate Student working in External Affairs, reflected on the career fair, saying “It was a team effort across the board that made the event possible…the turnout was outstanding, with over 40 companies, 100 industry attendees, and 200 students.”
Career fairs are just one networking opportunity offered to College of Aeronautics and Engineering students. The College uses their relationship with local industry to help students find employment and internship opportunities. Akintelure says of this work, “We are proud to say that our relationship with the industry is growing, and we have received interest from a diverse range of companies, including Tesla.”
“The importance of students attending the career fair cannot be overstated. This event provides them with a unique opportunity to meet with industry professionals, gain insights into different career paths, and explore potential job openings”, adds. Akintelure. “Our students are world-class, and we believe that the career fair provided a fantastic opportunity for companies to connect with top talent.” Students are not shy about expressing their enthusiasm for events like this either:
“It was a very vibrant event, with lots of opportunities to learn about real world applications of CAE degrees.”
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Caleb Adams, Sophomore Aerospace Engineering Major
“Getting to interact with industry professionals and being able to appropriately express my qualifications, intentions, and morals with potential employers provides for a powerful resume by the time I graduate.”
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Cooper Flora, Sophomore Aerospace Engineering Major
“I love talking to industry professionals and learning about careers in engineering; all while being offered priceless opportunities for professional development!”
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Ruth Miller, Junior Aerospace Engineering Major
Professional development is woven into the curriculum of all CAE majors, with Professional Development offered as its own course, and similar components incorporated into many introductory and capstone courses. Laura Stephens, a Career Advisor at Kent State University’s Career Exploration and Development Center also hosts drop-in and scheduled advising appointments at the Aeronautics and Engineering Building on Wednesday afternoons.
Companies hoping to connect with the College of Aeronautics and Engineering should contact cae@kent.edu.