March 25, 2020 – Storrs, CT
The shift to an online learning environment, coupled with the cancellation of in-person events, has created many unknowns for students. With all this uncertainty, the UConn Center for Career Development found a way for students to engage with employers recruiting for UConn talent by holding its first Virtual Career Fair.
“The Spring Career Fair on the Storrs campus was scheduled for Wednesday, March 25,” stated Jim Lowe, Executive Director of the Center for Career Development. “With over 100 employers attending, we were not willing to cancel the fair and lose these opportunities for students. That meant we had just two weeks to turn one of our largest annual events into a virtual experience.”
The Center for Career Development partnered with Firsthand, the technology behind Husky Mentor Network, UConn’s tool for students to network with and learn from Alumni. Using a variation of the appointment scheduling model within Husky Mentor Network, profiles were created for the recruiters attending and students were given detailed instructions on how to schedule appointments with employers.
In all, over 225 one-on-one meetings took place between students and employers on March 25, and nearly 200 are scheduled to occur after the fair concluded.
“Students from all UConn campuses were able to talk with employers one-on-one, live and in real-time,” stated Robert Volle, the Center for Career Development’s corporate partner relations program director. He added, “Overall, the feedback from students and employers was very positive.”
Luis, one of the students attending the virtual fair had a positive overall experience. “I had a great conversation. The recruiter was easy to talk to regarding my experience level and provided good advice on what the hiring process looks like.”
Based on the attendance and feedback, the Center for Career Development will be looking to add an annual Virtual Career Fair to its 2020-2021 programming schedule. They will also look to keep the student/recruiter channel open as a new feature of Husky Mentor Network.
Contact: Jim Lowe, uconncareer@uconn.edu
