The third annual Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) job fair was held for student’s on March 15 in Cone Chapel. As part of the event, recruiters from Arkansas and neighboring states were on campus recruiting STEM majors.
Butch Gardner, director of Career Services, said the STEM job fair had representatives from approximately 12 companies all of whom came to campus to recruit students to work for their company.
In an effort to recruit for their companies, representatives brought displays, giveaways and various informational handouts about their companies, according to Gardner. Students were able to meet and speak with a number of recruiters in their fields of interest. In the past, the job fair has led to many students receiving internships or full-time job offers after connecting with the representatives.
Sophomore computer engineering major Robert Thompson attended the job fair in hopes of making valuable connections with the companies present.
“Even though I’m a sophomore, I want to put my name out there and make sure companies are taking a look at me,” Thompson said.
Like Thompson, senior molecular and cellular biology major Ethan Compton attended the fair in hopes of connecting with STEM companies. This was Compton’s first time attending the fair, and he said it came at a great time.
“As a graduating senior who wants to go on to graduate school, an internship would be incredible … whether it’s research or working with a company, as well as trying to find a job,” Compton said.
Career Services invited Dillard’s Technology, Acxiom, Arkansas Electric Co-op, Continental Utilities Systems Inc. (CUSI), J.B. Hunt Trucking, Rural Sourcing Inc. (RSI), Saint Jean Industries, Southwest Power Pool and Privacy Star to attend the fair.
“The STEM job fair gives the university positive exposure out in the world,” Gardner said. “When companies make a successful hire from Harding, they are more likely to return looking for our graduates.”
This was the third year for Career Services to hold the STEM-specific job fair. Gardner said that the fair is usually well-attended by technology and engineering majors. In the future, Career Services hopes more math and science students will be involved.
The STEM job fair will occur every March for students in the specified majors. However, students that missed the event and would like to get in touch with representatives for internships or full-time positions can visit the Career Services office located in Student Center room 239 or email careercenters@harding.edu for more information.
Written by Cayleigh Thomas and Nora Johnson
