Georgia Southern University’s Career and Professional Development Department engaged more than 2,500 students at its recent Career Showcase Week, where students are exposed to future employers in STEM, government, business, and related fields. I was able to meet with
Career fairs can be life-changing. Just ask Glenn Gibney, vice provost for career readiness and leader of the Office of Career and Professional Development (OCPD) at Georgia Southern University.
“I got my first job at a college career fair,” he explained.
That’s why his office seeks to focus on career readiness and career fairs through events such as Career Showcase Week.
This year’s Career Showcase Week, held from September 16th to 19th, welcomed more than 2,500 people through events such as Technical Career Day, which featured employers in STEM fields and other technical professions, and Non-Technical Day. Students participated. Learn more about opportunities in business and government. During these events, employers from around the region visit campus to recruit, interview, and even hire students on the spot.
Photo courtesy of Georgia Southern University
“This is the highest number of employers on campus during hiring week in Georgia Southern history,” said Caitlin Cofer, OCPD Director of Operations. “Last semester we set a record with 218 companies. This fall we far surpassed that, with 265 companies participating over the four-day event.”
Additional events were held throughout the week, including opportunities for students to explore career paths, network with industry leaders, and other opportunities.
“Our OCPD team has worked diligently to create networking and employment opportunities for our students,” Gibney said. “By participating in employer networking events and career fairs, students can interact directly with employers, gain new opportunities for internships and full-time jobs, and find out what employers are looking for. It gives you insight into how you are doing and helps you build confidence in a professional environment.”
But that’s not the only opportunity, Cofer points out.
“Most people may not realize it, but about 20% of companies actually choose to interview students the next day at locations around campus,” Cofer added. “Employers occupy space in the Russell Union, Williams Center, and Parker College of Business and IT buildings on Wednesdays and Thursdays, sometimes making job and internship offers on the spot. Employers have interviewed over 180 students and expect to exceed that number this year.”
Based on data collected by OCPD, students who participate in career fairs can earn additional income as they begin their careers.
“Data from our Primary Destination Findings report shows that Georgia Southern graduates who attended career fairs while in school earned more than $14,000 more in average starting salaries than those who did not. ,” Cofer said.
Photo courtesy of Georgia Southern University
This was the second installment of Career Showcase Week in its current format. Previously held as two separate weeks focused on career fairs, the new format received positive feedback.
“Due to the STEM fair being suspended in August 2023 due to Hurricane Idalia, we were forced to consolidate two weeks into one week in late September,” Cofer said. “While we expected this to be a one-time adjustment, we were surprised to learn that both the campus community and employers appreciated the combined approach. Our team, along with our partners across campus, decided to make this our new strategy, and last spring, we received a 9.86/10 satisfaction rating from Career, our highest rating ever. We launched a rebranded career week called Showcase Week.”
Cofer added that students are encouraged to participate in these events regardless of their major or class, as there is an opportunity for all students. Alumni are also invited to participate in the career fair.
For more information about Career Showcase Week or the services offered through OCPD, visit www.GeorgiaSouthern.edu/ocpd.
