Career and Internship Fair Advances University’s Commitment of Connecting Students with Employers

The Beckerman Recreation Center buzzed with energy during the Fall 2025 Career and Internship Fair, where students dressed in professional attire met with recruiters and organization representatives, resumes in hand. Over two days, employers from industries such as business, healthcare, engineering, science, and the arts met with students eager to make inroads into the professional world.

It was a constantly bustling room with students shaking hands, exchanging resumes, and engaging in conversations that could open the door to future opportunities.

While some students sought internships or full-time roles, others came simply to explore. The event gave them the opportunity to test the waters and discover possibilities they might not have considered before.

For many, it was also a chance to practice speaking with professionals and gain confidence. Nicholas Rodriguez ’29, an engineering major, shared, “I first went to a company, and I stuttered through it all. After talking to more companies, I started to feel more confident. It was a great chance to practice talking with employers since this was my first experience.”

Employers shared that the energy and preparation of students brought stood out. Christopher Bishop, a business development specialist at Microboard emphasized how the Career Fair creates connections that extend beyond the event itself.

“It’s always buzzing at the University of New Haven,” he said. “Interacting with the students here at the career fair kicks off a series of other engagement opportunities. Overall, we always come excited and prepared, and the students do, too.”

Students echoed that preparation was key. Declan McGrellis ’26, an electrical and computer science major, said, “I updated my resume to prepare for today. I also worked on my pitch. I came last year, too, and it’s nice to see some of the same companies along with new ones I can introduce myself to for the first time.”

Kacey Daly ’26 M.S., an environmental engineering graduate student, added, “The University gives us a lot of resources to help prepare for the job search, whether it was a resume building in class or events through the Career Development Center. Everything helps get you out there and realize what jobs are available.”

“It’s always great to see a lot of the next generation that’s coming in and emerging in this workforce,” Bishop said. “They ask really great questions and show genuine interest in what Connecticut industries have to offer.”

For some students, the Career Fair was an introduction to the job market and a chance to explore what industries had to offer. Elijah Detrick ’27 M.A., a graduate student in industrial-organizational psychology, said, “My intention was really just to feel out the job market and look at what opportunities would be out there for me. I’m on an information gathering quest. I’m testing the water without expectations.”

Kaolin Bencazar ’27 used the fair to support friends and prepare for her own career search. “I went on day one to help prep a friend,” she said. “We rehearsed together what she would say to employers. I came back the next day after looking at the list of companies, and I’m prepared to start looking for internships, especially in healthcare and sports medicine.”

Etienne Niyokuri ’27 said he made a point to attend both days as well. “I came the day before to see what it looked like and to be more prepared,” he said. “I’m interested in finding job opportunities, whatever they may be.”

“The practice is one of the best parts of this,” Detrick said. “Even if you don’t walk away with an offer, you walk away more confident for the next time.”

For some students the Career Fair meant making their first professional introductions; for others, it meant solidifying a career path.

Daly reflected that the Career Fair reinforced what she has learned in her classes and from faculty mentors. “The preparation and the exposure to employers help you realize what’s out there,” she said. “It makes the transition into the career field more real.”

As the event wrapped up, students left with a stronger sense of confidence and new connections to carry forward. “Hopefully I got something out of this,” Rodriguez said. “But even if not, I know I’m better prepared for the next time.”