On Thursday, September 15, the Center for Career Development and Raytheon Technologies hosted Career Fest. The weather was perfect, and excitement filled the air as over 1,200 students flocked to Fairfield Way to play carnival games, ride a mechanical unicorn, and get free tacos and shaved ice. Career Fest was a celebration of the start of the Fall Semester and also raised awareness and encouraged students to attend the Storrs Fall Career Fairs the upcoming week.
Raytheon Technologies generously sponsored the event, and many students were able to connect and ask the representatives career questions. Collins Aerospace and Pratt & Whitney had tables where they provided information about their companies and offered students advice about internship and employment opportunities at their companies and within the field.
Upon registration, student received a wristband and a Party Pass so that they could compete to win a free T-shirt or another prize. The Center had a series of games and activities for students to play, and after taking part in certain activities they would get a stamp on their Party Pass.
While there were many different activities, one stood out to Center for Career Development Intern, Heidi Pineda. She was stationed at the Breaking Down Career Stereotypes game where students wrote down career stereotypes, placed them into a pyramid of fishbowls, and knocked them down with a ball. This activity was part of the Center’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiative and Heidi shared that “being able to interact with students and talk about identity and career stereotypes/development was a fulfilling experience.”
Students also enjoyed ice cream and soft pretzels supplied by UConn Dining Services, and took turns at the 5-in-1 carnival game station where they won keychains, plushies and more. UConn’s Spiderman even showed up to play game and ride the mechanical unicorn.
Career Fest was a huge success after two years of not being held due to COVID-19, and reminded students that the Center for Career Development is here to help.
