Students Impress Employers and Grad Schools in Record Numbers at Career and Internship Fair

By Purnell T. Cropper | March 26, 2014

Grace Hiegl ’17 didn’t know what to expect when she arrived in the Kuch Center for Arcadia’s Career and Internship Fair on March 25. After all, it was the first career fair she’d attended. Before entering the fair floor, she expressed her concerns: “I’ve never really applied for a job like this before, so I’m not sure about the application process and things like that.”

To address these concerns, Hiegl attended one of three interactive sessions with Campus Philly aimed at helping students prepare for the fair. In the Kuch Center’s Hall of Fame Room, Hiegl and Campus Philly’s Jennifer Devor workshopped introductions, elevator pitches, follow-up emails, the importance of networking, and what Devor called the three Ps: being proactive, personal, and patient. Hiegl left with a clearer idea of her interests in art therapy and how to present that to potential employers.

“I feel a lot more prepared, and I’m really glad I came,” she reflected after the session. “I think I have a better idea of what to expect.”

On the floor of the fair, Hiegl joined approximately 400 other Arcadia students and alumni networking with representatives from 90 employers and graduate schools. Recruiters found an eager group of Arcadia students seeking internships, co-ops, careers, and opportunities.

“Somebody has been at my table every minute or two,” said Tim Hannigan of Elwyn SEEDS, an early intervention service specializing in childhood development.

In addition to Hannigan, other potential employers were impressed by the enthusiasm and personality embodied by Arcadia students.

“[They] are much more likely to engage you and make the first move,” said Paul Ethridge ’13, an Arcadia alum representing Evolve IP in Wayne, Pa.

Interim Director of Career Education Mark Gress said he was pleased with the fair and looks forward to reviewing surveys from attendees to see how the fairs can continue to improve.

This spring’s Internship and Career Fair had double the number of students and alumni attending compared to last year and more than double the number of employers and graduate schools who registered to attend, which did not go unnoticed by students.

“I didn’t expect it to be this big,” said Elizabeth Begley ’15, who felt the fair could help her define what type of job she is looking for. “There are a lot more than I was expecting, so I’m happy.”