Students visit table at Employment Fair Fall 26

Kick-Starting Careers at the Kent State Student Employment Fair

The Career Exploration and Development-hosted fair connects students with resources and employers to help them build relationships and careers

More than 400 students attended Kent State University’s Student Employment Fair and connected with 31 employers offering both on- and off-campus job opportunities.

Lily Sassani, a first-year visual communication design major, came to the fair to learn more about different opportunities that might appeal to her.

“I’m just interested in a bunch of different opportunities associated with my major,” Sassani told Kent State Today. “I know I have a few jobs that I’ve saved on Handshake, so I was hoping to find the programs they’re associated with today, and just even discover different jobs that I could also find pathways through from my portfolio.”

Events like the Student Employment Fair are central to Kent State’s commitment to award-winning support and access. By providing students with hands-on networking practice and vital resources right on campus, the university fosters a culture of care that helps students build confidence as they navigate their professional journeys.

Several employers shared their advice for students who were searching for jobs.

Kimberly Wallingford, director of marketing at Merit Brass, advised students who came to the fair.  

“I think students should come to every career opportunity because you never know who’s going to be at that table, and it gives you an opportunity to research things that you might not have thought about doing,” Wallingford said.

The event, hosted by Career Exploration and Development and held Aug. 28 in Room 218 of the Kent Student Center, featured rows of tables with employers ready to speak to students one-on-one or in groups about opportunities within their organizations. A free professional headshot station offered attendees the chance for an updated LinkedIn picture.  

Justin Edwards, Ed.D., executive director of Career Exploration and Development, is always excited to see new students gain experience networking and talking to employers.

“I love when we see, especially first- and second-year students, coming to this kind of fair when folks are looking for internships and eventually full-time work,” Edwards said. “It makes that space of a career fair a little bit less scary to approach because you’ve already been to one of those looking for on-campus work.”

Alizeh Khalifa, assistant director of LaunchNET Kent State, emphasized how students should approach employers.

“I think coming in with that positive attitude, being excited to talk to people and having energy when you’re approaching these conversations with employers is a big thing because I think seeing that excitement in you incites excitement in the employers,” Khalifa said.

Teddi Wilson, marketing manager at LaunchNET Kent State, also urged students to “get out of your comfort zone.”

“I think there’s a lot of value in meeting people face to face and talking to the employers or people that you’re going to be working with,” Wilson said. “I think that goes a long way.”

For students in attendance, the lessons were clear.

“I’ve learned a lot about how people conduct themselves at a fair, how they behave and how they attract people to their table definitely a lot about communicating with people when it comes to jobs, like getting card information and retaining information told from behind the desk — definitely a lot about communicating with people when it comes to jobs, like getting card information and retaining information told from behind the desk,” Sassani said.

POSTED: Thursday, September 3, 2026 11:42 AM
Updated: Wednesday, September 9, 2026 11:24 AM
WRITTEN BY:
Reese Urbach, Flash Communications
PHOTO CREDIT:
Jessica Reilly
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