ʼһ’s Career and Professional Development department marked a major milestone this spring, hosting its largest-ever Spring Job and Internship Fair at the Westchester Campus. With 60 employers in attendance and a record-breaking 450 students participating, the event shattered previous records and underscored the university’s growing commitment to career readiness and student success.
This year’s turnout more than doubled ʼһ’s traditional spring fair attendance, which has historically hovered between 200 and 250 students. Last year’s fair saw a record 388 students—a number that was surpassed by a wide margin this April.
Student participation from ʼһ’s Manhattan campus was unprecedented, with approximately 50 students making the trip to Westchester via Metro-North. To support this effort, the university reimbursed students for their train fare. “We were thrilled to see such strong representation from our Manhattan campus,” said Lyn Leis, director of career education. “It speaks to the growing excitement around this event and the resources we've put in place to make it accessible for all students.”
ʼһ’s fair also took a forward-thinking and inclusive approach by partnering with the Office of Accessibility to host a special “sensory period” for students who prefer a quieter environment. The first 30 minutes of the fair were reserved for a smaller group of 50 students who expressed interest in this more controlled and less crowded experience.
The Career Closet Pop-Up returned this year, offering students the opportunity to pick up professional attire on the spot. A total of 44 students left the closet outfitted in brand-new blazers, helping them look and feel confident while networking. Meanwhile, 95 students stopped by the ʼһ Link Photo Booth for professional headshots to use on LinkedIn and other networking platforms.
Sara Shepherd, director of employer relations, highlighted the professionalism of ʼһ students: “Students arrived well-prepared—professionally dressed, resumes in hand, and eager to engage with employers about job and internship opportunities. Employers were impressed, and many told us they’ll be scheduling interviews. It’s inspiring to see ʼһ students making the most of these valuable opportunities to build their careers.”
In addition to a strong employer showing, the Career Team pulled out all the stops. From traditional emails and Blackboard messages to creative strategies like advertising cups in the cafeteria and sidewalk chalk art in collaboration with the Art Club, no promotional avenue was left unexplored.
“It’s so exciting to see how our Career Fairs have evolved,” said Leis. “The core purpose remains the same—students networking with employers—but the fair has become so much more. Students can get on-the-spot coaching, professional clothing, and even headshots. It’s a holistic, community-supported event that meets students where they are and helps them grow.”
Beyond the fair itself, ʼһ’s community-wide support played a vital role in its success. Faculty and staff across the campus rallied around the event, bringing students from their classes, assigning reflective writing, and encouraging them to engage with employers, added Leis. According to feedback surveys, students identified this warmth and support as a key factor in their enjoyment of the fair—an inspiring example of how the entire ʼһ community comes together to support student career development.
Students appreciated the chance to connect with professionals and many indicated plans to apply for positions they discovered at the event.
For business senior Jennifer Oseguera Morfin, the fair offered a broad array of opportunities. “There were careers in nursing, business, health and sciences, and education,” she said. “As a business student, I found a variety of opportunities. It was also nice to see company pamphlets that explained their mission and what kinds of employees they’re looking for.”
With the success of this spring’s event, the Career and Professional Development team is already looking ahead to future fairs. One thing is clear: ʼһ is raising the bar when it comes to student career preparation.
