The Charger Blog

University’s Fall Career Expo Draws More Than 1,000 Students

Hosted by the University’s Career Development Center, the career fair offered students in all programs of study myriad opportunities to connect with nearly 100 employers.

September 22, 2022

By Renee Chmiel, Office of Marketing and Communications


Aerial view of career fair
More than 1,000 students attended the career fair.

This semester, Jacey Ferraro ’23, a graphic design major, is taking a class that focuses on creating a portfolio. The course, during which she and her classmates are also working on cover letters, prepares students for their job searches.

Ferraro took the opportunity to explore some potential career opportunities, connecting with potential employers at the University’s fall career expo. She was impressed by what she found, both in the many employers represented at the event and in the interest from her fellow students.

“There were a few interesting employers I spoke with,” said Ferraro. “So far, the companies in the entertainment industry were especially intriguing. It is incredible how many people are here and how many students showed up. It’s not always easy to find a job on you own, and the fact that so many people are here is great.”

Ferraro was among the more than 1,000 students who stopped by the career fair. It drew undergraduate and graduate students of all majors and programs of study who met with employers and learned more about the many job and internship opportunities available.

“The fall career fair was a big success,” said Matt Caporale, executive director of the University’s Career Development Center. “It was amazing to see such a large student turnout to meet with our employer partners for internship and job opportunities. It is important for our students to take advantage of these networking and career connection opportunities, and they turned out at the career fair.”

Students at the career fair.
Students at the career fair.
‘Our employers were impressed’

When Vincent Tremulot ’25 heard about the career fair, he was curious. Interested in learning more about the opportunities available, he stopped by. He was impressed by what he found.

“I saw some great companies and I found lots of opportunities, said Tremulot, a business management major. “There was a lot of interest, and I found so many opportunities in my field.”

Nearly 100 employers attended the career fair. Students interacted with potential employers such as the Norwalk Police Department, Colliers Engineering & Design, and FIREBIRD Digital Inks.

“We are so appreciative of our employer partners for their time, energy, and interest in our students,” said Caporale. “The University of New Haven prides itself on preparing students for career success, and our employers were impressed by the quality, experience, and motivation of our students. It was also great to see so many alumni there representing their organizations and connecting with current Chargers.”

Employer shaking hands with student.
Nearly 100 employers met with students at the career fair.
‘Something for everyone’

Employers say they were impressed by the turnout at the career fair. They had the opportunity to connect with dozens of students, and they appreciated the students’ interest.

We’ve done a few career fairs, and at this one, more than others, we’ve noticed the enthusiasm of the students,” said Ryan Osak, a project engineer for Gilbane Building Company. “We also appreciate the diversity we’ve seen in the students.”

“I love seeing the students’ enthusiasm,” added DJ Gray, a superintendent at the company. “They have a lot to offer. Halfway through the career fair, we’d already connected with more than 40 students and received more than 100 applications. It was a great turnout.”

Shilpa Parimi ’23 M.S. was among the students applying, and she was grateful to connect with so many potential employers. She immediately found half a dozen employers in her field that interested her and that she was able to connect with.

“It’s great because there are so many opportunities, and something for everyone,” said Parimi, a candidate in the University’s graduate program in computer science. “I’m glad so many of these employers are here.”

Students posing for a photo with a thumbs up.
Students gave the career fair a thumbs up.