Career Fest Event Returns to Meredith Campus

The two floors of Meredith College’s Cate Student Center bustled with noise and promise. Long tables decked in different employers’ colors and merchandise were surrounded by students looking to make connections within their field. There was excitement in the air because this would be the first in-person Career Fest Meredith has had since 2019.

On September 21, 2022, the Office of Career Planning hosted employers from 12-3 p.m. Students were invited to attend and take advantage of the opportunities to explore career paths and options, network with employers, and learn about full-time and internship positions. 

Participating employers included Autism Society of NC, Credit Suisse, Dean Dorton, Defense Intelligence Agency, GlaxoSmithKline, Greensboro Police Department, the Miami HEAT, NetApp, NC Department of Environmental Quality, Novant Health, SAS, Three Ships Marketing, WakeMed, YMCA of the Triangle, and more.

One of the employers at the event was IAT Insurance, with alumnae Niki Pit, ’99, and Morgan Hendrix ’20, ’21 (I/O psychology) working the booth. 

“It’s so much better to be back in person,” said Pit, who works as the Senior Employment Specialist for IAT. 

The two also encouraged students looking for internships or full-time positions to use their intuition and spend time doing something that grows their strengths, whether that be internships or getting involved in school events.

“We’re expecting interns to ask questions,” said Hendrix, the associate benefit specialist. “It’s important to take the time to figure out the answer and say, ‘this is all I’ve been able to find out, and I’m stuck. Can you help me?’ Rather than wanting everything to be told to them immediately.”

Another employer at the event was IXL Learning, a technology company in the education sector. This was the company’s first time at Meredith’s career fair.

“We’re looking for someone who is passionate about education and learning and someone who is willing to take on a challenge. We are ever-changing and ever-growing, so we’re looking for someone who likes to take on the challenge of learning something new all the time,” said Senior Recruiter Meg D’Agostino. 

Many students attending the Career Fest took the opportunity to learn more about options within their career paths.

Mackenzie Howell, ’24, is a biology major with a minor in public health looking to go into medicine. She attended Career Fest to learn more about her options in the medical field.

“I came to make connections because the medical field is very competitive, so it’s important I get my name out there. I’m currently trying to decide if I’m going to do a PA (physician assistant) route or if I’m going to nursing school and then become an NP (nurse practitioner),” said Howell. “I’m looking to talk to people, see what my options are, and look at prospective hospitals that I can eventually work at.”

Alli Campbell, ’24, is a double major in biology and music. Her dream job is to become a film score composer or screenwriter, but she’s also interested in becoming a genetic researcher. 

“I felt this was a good opportunity to explore what careers I might want in the biology field,” said Campbell. “I’ve really learned a lot.”

This year’s Career Fest set a new record for attendees and employers, with 236 students in attendance and 44 employers.

“It was great to have the excitement and energy of an in-person career fair back on campus,” said Jane Matthews, associate director of employer relations at the Office of Career Planning. “There is more potential for discovery and organic conversation during an in-person fair that does not typically happen in the virtual space.”

To learn more about how Meredith supports students’ career opportunities, visit meredith.edu/career-planning.