Career Center Has Your Back

Ari Graham

This year, Mount St. Mary’s University is taking a different approach to its career fairs. In previous years, the fairs were typically large events featuring around 40 employers across several industries. Following the September accounting and finance fair, the Mount held its annual STEM Career Fair on Oct. 8, in the Delaplaine Commons. Employers attended to speak with students about career paths, internships and job opportunities. 

Career fairs give students opportunities to network with employers, explore companies and potentially secure internships or jobs. They also help students connect their academic studies and personal interests to potential future careers. 

Patrick Paradzinski, Associate Director of the Career Center, highlighted the outcomes of these events. At the previous accounting and finance fair, Kearney & Company interviewed approximately 30-35 students for internships and externships, followed by virtual interviews and additional follow-ups. 

While approaching employers can feel intimidating, Paradzinski suggested that students start by speaking with employers they are less interested in before approaching their preferred companies. He also encouraged students to visit the Career Center to practice their networking skills. 

Kiara Mazza, a graduate assistant at the Career Center, helped plan and organize the fair by reaching out to employers and promoting the event to students. She encouraged students to take advantage of available resources and recognize the value of their experiences, even when those experiences may seem insignificant. 

“You might think it's not a big deal personally, but an employer might think that it’s cool and valuable to them,” Mazza said. She also encouraged students to visit the Career Center or schedule an appointment for guidance with their career goals. 

Redeat Mesfin (C‘29), a criminal justice major with a minor in political science, attended the fair to explore internships and gain experience before graduating. She spoke with several employers, including the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 

The DEA stood out to Mesfin because it presented an internship opportunity that caught her interest. She recommended career fairs to other students, describing them as valuable opportunities to develop networking and professional skillset. Although she is not a STEM major, Mesfin was pleased with the experience. 

Students can continue exploring career opportunities through the Mount’s Career Center, which is open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The center offers appointments for resume reviews and mock interviews, access to the Mount Suits You Closet for professional clothing, resume printing, professional headshots and guidance on researching employers through Handshake and company websites.