Career Services hosts largest fair focused on career and workforce readiness

More than 85 organizations and graduate school programs participated in USCA’s annual Career and Graduate School Fair on March 4.

The event provided students with a variety of workforce, internship and career opportunities across multiple fields. According to Corey Feraldi, director of Career Services, this year’s fair featured the highest number of participating organizations to date.

Participating employers represented a wide range of industries, including Aiken Regional Medical Centers, the Child Advocacy Center of Aiken County and the City of Aiken Department of Public Safety, among many others. The event was sponsored by Aurubis Richmond, COMPA Industries, Cintas and Evans Management Group.

“It’s really a chance for students to make connections and start getting early experience,” Feraldi said. “At least half of the employers who attend offer internships, which is important for students to consider as they build their careers.”

This year’s event also featured a significant number of graduate programs, allowing students to explore academic opportunities beyond a bachelor’s degree. Feraldi said more than 100 graduate degree programs were represented by the universities in attendance.

“For students who may be thinking about graduate school but aren’t sure where to start, this gives them a chance to talk directly with universities,” he said. “They can learn about the admissions process, what programs are offered and what might be the right fit.”

Freshmen Kira Bostick, a process engineering major, and Savannah Yerger, a mechanical engineering major, were eager to explore what the career fair had to offer, particularly internship opportunities within the engineering field.

“I definitely want an internship, more on the aerospace side of things,” Yerger said. “Mechanical engineering can also branch into areas like computer science, so my options are broad in terms of what I’m looking for. Ultimately, I’d like to secure a job after graduation and go straight into the workforce.”

Vincent Bush III, a senior majoring in psychology, shared similar goals as he prepares to graduate in December.

“I’m hoping to find a job before enrolling in graduate school,” Bush said. “I’m really hoping to find something that’s in the realm of what I like to do, which is helping people.”

Like Bush, freshman Andraya Williams is also a psychology major. She attended the fair to learn more about opportunities in the field, particularly with organizations such as the Child Advocacy Center of Aiken County.

“I’m very interested in learning more about children’s behavior,” Williams said. “I would love to learn more about child development and growth.”

Events like USCA’s Career and Graduate School Fair continue to serve as a bridge between students and their future careers, offering opportunities to network with employers, explore industries and learn about graduate education. Through events hosted by the university’s Career Services department, students can connect directly with employers and academic institutions while gaining insight into the skills and experiences needed to succeed after graduation.

As the number of participating organizations continues to grow each year, the fair remains an important step in helping USCA students prepare for the next stage of their professional journeys.

Go Back More News