Opportunities Abound at Career and Internship Fair

The College of Charleston Career Center is hosting the Fall 2019 Career and Internship Fair and Graduate School Expo on Wednesday, Oct. 2, from 12–3 p.m. at TD Arena, 310 Meeting St.

Over 80 organizations – including Blackbaud, BMW, the FBI, Spoleto Festival USA, Le Creuset of America, Bosch and Benefitfocus – will be recruiting for a variety of employment, internship and graduate school opportunities. Attracting roughly 500 undergraduates, graduate students and alumni from all academic majors and degree levels, the event will allow students to explore their options and identify professional opportunities that fit their individual set of skills and interests.

“Whether you are a senior looking for your dream job or a sophomore wanting to explore your options, the career fair is the perfect place to get started,” says Erin O’Dea Halford, employer relations manager with the Career Center. “You’ll not just get to meet with dozens of potential employers and learn what types of jobs and internships they offer, but you will have the chance to practice your elevator pitch and networking abilities – skills that are critical for finding a good job or internship.”

A student talks with a job recruiter at a previous career fair.

Halford encourages students to research the full list of employers and graduate schools on Handshake ahead of time, visit the Career Center during drop-in hours (Mondays–Fridays, 2–4 p.m.) to have their résumés critiqued and stop by the Career Center’s table at the event to get tips on how to work the fair and make a great first impression.

“Keep in mind that, even if you don’t find a job at your first career fair, you may end up with a contact who can help you find a job down the road,” she says. “Finally, don’t forget to check out the Grad School Expo section of the Career Fair. Admissions representatives from nearly 20 graduate programs will be there for you to explore!”

Smaller boutique networking events provided in partnership with other academic departments on campus will also take place on Oct. 2, including the Department of Computer Science “Biz Bash” at Harbor Walk East from 3:30 to 5 p.m., where computer science, computing in the arts, data science and computer information systems students and faculty may network with organization representatives while enjoying light fare and beautiful views. In addition, all students interested in careers in marketing and communications are invited to the Department of Management and Marketing‘s “Make Your Mark” networking event from 5 to 7 p.m. There will be light refreshments and a keynote address by Le Creuset’s director of marketing communication and culinary, Nate Collier.

For more information, contact Erin O’Dea Halford at odeae@cofc.edu.