Fall 2025 Career and Internship Fair
Students had an opportunity to meet with potential employers and network with fellow students in the McCann Center at the Career and Internship fair. Photo credit: Hannah Tone ‘26
On Oct. 8, the Center for Career Services hosted its bi-annual Career and Internship Fair in the McCann Center. At this event, students were able to network and connect with employers such as Travelers, Enterprise and 40 other high-profile companies representing a wide range of industries.
Executive Director of Career Services, Mary Jones, explained that the event requires extensive preparation and collaboration with offices across campus.
“Planning begins months in advance and involves coordination across several departments,” Jones said. “We start by reaching out to employers, securing the event space, marketing the event to students and handling logistics like table assignments, signage and catering.”
Preparation for these events is done year-round. The Center for Career Services’ employer team regularly meets with alumni and employers to enhance career opportunities for students, as well as invites them to the Career Fair and other promotional events.
“We also work closely with faculty to assist us with promoting students in their Schools,” Jones added.
This semester’s Career Fair had a strong turnout, with about 465 students in attendance. “We were thrilled to see so many students actively engaging with employers and exploring different career paths,” Jones said.
Students traveled from one table to the next, pitching themselves to employers and learning more about each company and the programs they offer.
Aubree Schnaars ‘26 was in attendance, looking to network with employers within the psychology sector as she approaches graduation this December.
“I think it's really important to come to the career fair because of all the opportunities we have here with these companies, through Marist, and a lot of these alumni, and other people who are connected here,” Schnaars said. “It’s a great opportunity to look for internships and possible job opportunities.”
Jones also emphasized the importance of attending events conducted by the Center for Career Services, like the Career and Internship Fair held each semester.
“Career Fairs are a great way for students to make direct connections with recruiters, explore industries they may not have considered and practice their networking skills in a welcoming environment. Even if students are not actively job searching, attending helps students become more comfortable with networking. It is especially helpful that many organizations have alumni represent their firms,” Jones explained.
Marist prides itself on its strong post-graduation outcomes, with a reported 94% of graduates either employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation. This statistic reflects the college’s commitment to preparing students for success after college through experiential learning, career development and networking opportunities like this one.
For students looking for internships or preparing for life post-grad, Jones offered some advice: “Start early, and don’t be afraid to network. Building relationships—even informal ones—can open doors you didn’t expect.”
Peer Career Ambassador, Kylie Byers ‘27, added to this and said, “I think the Career Fair is a great way for students to branch out a little bit; all of these companies are willing to speak to all different majors. Sometimes people think, ‘Hey, maybe this place wouldn’t normally take me,’ but you really need to put yourself out there.”
Jones also encourages students to take advantage of what the Center for Career Services has to offer. Students can coordinate a meeting with a Career Coach or Peer Career Ambassador to learn how to perfect their resume, build interviewing skills and develop strategies for finding an internship or job. The Center for Career Services is open 5 days a week in the Dyson Center, and appointments can be made on Handshake.
Jones added that the Marist Alumni-Student Network, PeopleGrove, provides students with another way to connect with alumni and other professionals if they weren’t able to attend the event.
“It’s a great way for students from all majors and class years to engage with alumni from a variety of industries,” she said.
With careful planning and strong partnerships with both alumni and companies, the Career and Internship Fair continues to be one of the largest and most impactful professional development events of the semester.