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Meredith College Hosts Second Annual Internship Discovery Expo

The Meredith College Office of Career Planning hosted the second annual Internship Discovery Expo on September 15 at the Cate Student Center.

An estimated 170 students attended the event for the opportunity to speak to employers from around the Triangle in a casual and relaxed atmosphere. SAS, Citrix, and Credit Suisse were among the 24 businesses stationed at tables throughout the Cate Student Center.

According to Jane Matthews, assistant director of employer relations in the Office of Career Planning, the attendance of students and employers increased from the previous year, as did the variety of employers in attendance. “Participating employers represent a wide variety of industries, including non-profit, finance, and IT,” said Matthews.

Students were encouraged to research potential employers and prepare their résumé. Riley Hunter, ’19, who was looking for a career in sales and marketing, researched SAS. “Forbes said they are one of the top companies for millennials to work. They go to colleges for recruitment,” Hunter said. “From a marketing standpoint, I would love to go to colleges and recruit students.”

Fareena Qamar, ’20, a university recruiting intern for SAS, was doing just that. Qamar found her position at SAS earlier this year through the Office of Career Planning. As a recruiter at the Internship Discovery Expo, she was impressed by the confidence of Meredith students. “Approaching our booth with a friendly smile, being genuine and passionate about what they want to do — those are the first steps to landing an internship,” said Qamar.

Valerie Lawrence, ’17, technology analyst for Credit Suisse and recent graduate of Meredith, was also among the recruiters at the exposition. “When I heard that they were looking for alumnae to come and recruit for Credit Suisse, I was excited because it gave me the opportunity to give back. This is what Meredith helped me prepare for,” said Lawrence. “[Credit Suisse] absolutely loves Meredith College. They love the energy, the experience, the enthusiasm, and the intelligence of these women.”

Lawrence and Qamar were not the only recruiters impressed by Meredith students. Emily Maiers, project manager at GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals (GSK), was pleased by the turnout. “I appreciate the eagerness these women have for finding something that is the right fit for them,” Maiers said.

Bianca Villanova, community engagement coordinator for Marbles Kids Museum, was also happy to meet with students who fit the culture at the museum. “Meredith students are curious, open, and always interested in learning more,” Villanova said.

By Donna Bahena, ’18

Melyssa Allen

News Director
316 Johnson Hall
(919) 760-8087
Fax: (919) 760-8330

allenme@meredith.edu