By Peter Turek ’23
The Career Expo at Gustavus Adolphus College gave students the chance to present their internship experiences to their peers, exposing them to new occupational opportunities. The event was held virtually on Wednesday, Sept. 29 and in the upstairs hallway of the Jackson Campus Center on Thursday, Sept. 30.
The 23 presenters, from first-years to juniors, showcased a range of opportunities, from companies such as Securian Financial to positions right at Gustavus.
“One thing we know is that the value of experiences increases if we take time to reflect on what we did, what we learned, and why it matters,” said Director of Vocation and Career Readiness Programs Cynthia Favre. “Presenting at the Career Expo gives students an opportunity for that reflection and it also gives them practice talking about their experiences — good for future resumes, letters, applications, and interviews!”
The Career Expo not only features potential internships for students on campus by fellow students, but also gives alumni the ability to support student interns through the Engaged Learning Fund, which gives out a number of cash prizes at the Expo.
When asked about the benefits of the Career Expo, Melanie Kistnasamy ’22, a research assistant for the Coastal Response Research Center, said, “The Career Expo is a great way to reflect on my experience, share what I have learned, and thank the people who have contributed to this great opportunity. It is also a practical way to encourage other students to seek the opportunities out there as well as support the Engaged Learning Fund.”
Presenters were not the only ones being rewarded at the Expo, however, as student attendees were exposed to internship options in their area. With the Career Expo being situated in the upstairs hallway of the Jackson Campus Center on Thursday, students from all over Gustavus came across the presenters and stopped by to do some reflecting of their own. This sentiment was shared by Cole Fischer ’22, a senior statistics major, adding that “all throughout the Expo, these presenters have exposed me to jobs in my field of interest.”
Students came to the Career Expo with fresh eyes. Whether they had heard about the Expo from fellow students or happened to pass by on the way to the cafeteria, the Campus Center was full of students eagerly asking questions of their peers on different opportunities and gaining a clearer vision of what their career might look like, both after and during their college experience. “The Career Expo shows me how early I should be thinking about my future,” said Mikyas Kebede ’25. “It has also shown me many different options for my career.”
To learn more about the Center for Career Development and how the office supports all students, visit the Gustavus career website.