In-person career & internship fairs resume February 17

With declining Covid cases nationally and amid a historically low unemployment rate, more than 50 major employers will attend the 2022 Business Career and Internship Fair to meet and recruit Rowan students.

The Feb. 17 jobs and internship fair, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Business Hall, is the first of seven major hiring events to be held through mid-April and will include such employers as Henry Rowan’s Inductotherm Corp., accounting firm BDO, Enterprise, Kramer Beverage, Aramark and Republic Bank.

Though Covid cases are declining, all safety protocols will be followed including social distancing and required face coverings. For those without a mask, high-quality KN95s will be available.

Amie Ryno, manager of the Center for Professional Development in the Rohrer College of Business, advised students to dress professionally and to be prepared because all of the employers will be looking to hire.

“Companies are eager to find talent and they’re coming to us for prospects,” Ryno said. “It’s a good time to graduate, and a good time to look for an internship.”

Ryno said employers will seek to hire students from all RCB majors and she suggested students attend even if they’re early in their college careers.

“The point of going isn’t just to find a job today, it’s to meet potential employers, build relationships, network and learn who hires Rowan students,” she said. “The employers are not just looking to hire for full-time jobs but also for internships. It’s a great opportunity for students to learn about companies they may want to work for.” 

Other career fairs and resources

Andrew Duffy, associate director of Employer Relations within Rowan University’s Office of Career Advancement, said the current economic climate, combined with lowering Covid cases and an easing of restrictions has created a terrific environment for job seekers. In addition to the Feb. 17 business fair, Rowan will host the:

• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Career Fair Feb. 22;
• Federal Government and Non-Profit Agencies Career Fair March 10;
• Music Industry Expo March 23;
• Humanities & Social Sciences and Communication & Creative Arts Expo March 31;
• Health, Wellness and Fitness Career and Internship Fair April 8;
• Education Expo April 14.

Duffy said that while virtual job fairs held the past two years were fairly effective, they did not replace the in-person experience.

“I don’t think virtual technology allows for the connection that an in-person meeting does,” Duffy said. “It’s grown, it’s gotten better, but it’s not quite there.”

Duffy said Rowan’s Office of Career Advancement helps students develop an array of important job landing skills like resume writing, interviewing, even, in consultation with counselors, identifying career paths.

He said knowing how to write a strong resume, and how to tailor it to specific job opportunities, remains crucial.

“I still see students writing one resume and cover letter as a one size fits all approach,” he said. “If you spend a few minutes learning about the company and write your cover letter and resume for a specific position, it shows you are interested and makes you really stand out from the competition.”