The University of Minnesota Crookston hosted its annual Career & Internship Fair on October 3 in the Sargeant Student Center, welcoming over 50 organizations and eight graduate programs to campus to connect with students. Approximately 240 students attended, which demonstrated strong growth and engagement from previous years. In comparison, in 2022, there were 98 student registrations and 43 employer registrations, and in 2023, there were 201 student registrations and 50 employer registrations.
Career Services Coordinator Nan Thurston said this year’s fair showcased an array of industries including agriculture, business, healthcare, and criminal justice, among others. “The 2024 Career Fair was a tremendous success, bringing together a diverse group of employers and students eager to shape their future. We’re proud to see so many meaningful connections made, and it’s always inspiring to witness students taking confident steps toward their career goals,” said Thurston. “Adding the Talent Connect Virtual Fair reflects our commitment to inclusivity and adaptability. By offering both in-person and virtual engagement options, we ensured that every student had access to opportunities to connect with top employers and advance their professional journeys.”
The fair also gave students the opportunity to have a professional headshot taken and to attend a ‘Career Champions Luncheon’ with faculty, staff, Chancellor Mary Holz-Clause, and sponsor employers in a relaxed setting, helping them hone their networking skills and build social capital in a meaningful way. Teaching Specialist and alumnus Megan Pederson 2009, who founded the Community Voice app utilized by the University, City of Crookston, and various other communities, served as the master of ceremonies for the luncheon.
View photos from the 2024 fair here https://z.umn.edu/CareerInternshipFair2024
Platinum sponsors of the event were Marvin and The Veden Center for Rural Economic Development, and gold sponsors were AgCountry Farm Credit Services, Bremer Bank, DigiKey, and USDA-North Dakota Natural Resources Conservation Service.
