Search Site icon--logo-mobile Hartwick College
Home

“Industry Days” Creates a Growing Platform for Career Success

Now in its second year, Hartwick College’s “Industry Days” is finding its stride. Hosted by the Office of Career & Network Engagement on Oct. 16 and 17, the program builds on the traditional career fair concept, offering students a broader range of opportunities.

“At Hartwick, we do our career fair differently,” said Megan Gray, assistant vice president for career development and network engagement. “We bring employers and alumni mentors to campus and collaborate with faculty, who open their classrooms to facilitate conversations. It allows students to learn about different industries and professions, employment trends in their field, needs of the workforce, and the opportunities available to them.”

Students also met with employers at the Opportunity Expo and participated in “Meet the NetWICK” networking sessions. Samantha Lucas ’25, a criminal justice major with a minor in forensic science, was one of 440 students who participated in the event.

“This was an excellent opportunity to discover career paths I’d never considered. At the tabling event, I spoke with the Department of Public Health. As a criminal justice student, I didn’t think they would have any opportunities for me because I expected it to be healthcare-based. But after talking to them, I found out about their gun violence prevention department. If I hadn’t attended this event, I never would have known about this opportunity."

Samantha Lucas '25

Criminal Justice Major; Forensic Science Minor

Kelsey Van Alstyne ’20, a victim advocate at Opportunities for Otsego and one of 36 employers at the event, emphasized the importance of networking. “Building connections with alumni can be incredibly helpful when looking for jobs after college,” she said. VanAlstyne knows firsthand how important it is to make connections, as she interned for her current employer while attending Hartwick.

Stephanie Hollander, associate director of career development, noted that faculty partnerships have nearly tripled this semester. “Without these partnerships, students wouldn’t attend the expo or Meet the NetWICK, and they’d miss out on valuable face-to-face interactions with recruiters,” Hollander said. “Employers have told us that presenting in classes, conducting informational interviews, attending a networking event, and tabling make ‘Industry Days’ an opportunity they can’t afford to miss.”

October 22, 2024
Career Development, What's New

Learn More About Hartwick

Hartwick College Receives Transformational $10 Million Gift Names School of Nursing for Brent R. Nicklas

The investment will support instruction, including faculty, clinical adjuncts and program operations, while also establishing named nursing scholarships.

Read More

Freedman Research Focuses on Future Music Educators

Their project, “The Pathway to Becoming a Pre-Service Music Educator: Exploring the Efficacy of Recruitment Efforts,” comes at a time when New York state faces a growing shortage of music educators.

Read More