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Nearly 30 local and regional businesses participated in Alvernia’s 2024 Spring Campus-to-Career Fair at the John R. Post Center at Reading CollegeTowne. Employers offered internships and entry-level career opportunities to undergraduate, adult and graduate students, as well as alumni. 

“It’s a great way to see local businesses hiring in your community and see what positions are available around you,” said Senior Human Resources Major Nicolas King. “It is a good way to talk to people and practice your elevator pitch.” 

Close to 200 students attended the event, hosted by the Office of Career Development. Attendees practiced professional skills by talking to employers and searching for career and internship opportunities.  

“We are excited to be a part of this opportunity to meet students,” said Stephanie McMann, Berks Encore’s marketing director. “We are looking for a marketing intern and a social worker intern to work with us and learn about everything we do to help older adults in Berks County.” 

Although the event was aimed at upperclassmen and graduate students, first-year and sophomore students were encouraged to attend to explore career options and gain valuable experience that will benefit them throughout their college journey. 

“You can talk to every company,” said Ryan Stauffer, a senior finance major. “Even if it's not your major, you can discuss what they have available, and they might have the position you’re looking for.” 

The attendees received professional headshots, along with assistance building their resumes from Office of Career Development student workers. 

Paul Whalen, interim executive director of the Office of Career Development, spent months working with his team preparing for the event to ensure that students and employers felt welcome and ready to collaborate. 

“Our goal is to make sure that students have a premiere professional career readiness event to get a sense of exactly how they want to interact with future employers,” Whalen said. “Especially when you are thinking Franciscan values, there really is an opportunity for us to support student discernment and connect students with a career that they're going to be passionate about.”