Employers recruit ‘great student talent’ at iExpo
More than 625 students make connections with 43 companies at the college’s largest student-run career fair.
The McCarthy Building Companies is one of 43 businesses looking to fill internships and full-time jobs at the 34th iExpo.
Engineering students armed with resumes and strong handshakes massed at the annual iExpo in the University of Arizona Grand Ballroom on Feb. 5 to pursue jobs and internships.
“As the College of Engineering’s largest student-run career fair, iExpo helps engineering students connect directly with companies and take meaningful steps toward internships and full-time roles,” said Carter Buss, aerospace engineering junior and director of corporate relations for the Engineering Student Council, which sponsors the fair.
Now celebrating its 34th year, iExpo has built a reputation for launching top engineering talent.
Buss secured an internship with General Dynamics Mission Systems, an aerospace and defense company, at iExpo last year.
Companies seek Wildcat engineers
'The students we spoke to today demonstrated the passion and technical foundation we look for in future team members,' says Elizabeth Barnes-Hansen, a transportation project engineer at Horrocks Engineers.
The event is widely known as the starting point for many careers. Industry leaders, some with alumni at the helm, have recruited at the event for years.
“We're looking for great student talent, and we know we can find it here,” said Marla Peterson, a senior technical manager at Honeywell Aerospace and a systems and industrial engineering alumna.
Peterson wasn’t alone. Long-time college supporters W.L. Gore & Associates, Caterpillar Inc., and Freeport-McMoRan returned alongside utility companies Southwest Gas and the Salt River Project. First-time participant SOLV Energy joined the mix, signaling a growing interest in Wildcat hires.
“The University of Arizona has a great engineering program, so we're always excited to hire students from U of A,” said Karolena Lein, a reliability engineer at W.L. Gore.
Getting a head start on careers
Students valued the opportunity to meet employers in person and to make a strong first impression.
“I’m looking for a full-time job after graduation, and I realized I wanted to be more proactive in my search,” said Molly Auer, a mechanical engineering senior. “Attending iExpo gave me the chance to meet recruiters face-to-face, talk through my experience and gain valuable feedback.”
Some students arrived with specific companies or industries in mind, while others used the fair to explore a wide range of opportunities.
“I'm hoping to find an internship for the summer,” said Jack Nettles, an electrical engineering junior. “I've talked to Caterpillar, Honeywell and McCarthy Building Companies, and want to talk to a few more. This event is a great space to prepare for the workforce.”
Biomedical engineering junior Devin Strand spoke with Epic, an electronic health records company, and W.L. Gore, hoping to land an internship that leads to a full-time job.
“iExpo plays a huge role in career readiness. It strengthened my communication skills and professional confidence.”
