Companies from all across the United States will travel to Raleigh today in hopes of finding their next top engineer at the Engineering Career Fair. This will be the 15th time NC State has hosted the fair.
The fair has seen record numbers in the past couple of years. This year, 201 companies are set to attend, making it the second largest of its kind, only behind Texas A&M. Last spring, 3,272 students attended, and the numbers are expected to increase this year.
The fair will take place at McKimmon Center from 9:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
Companies like Bank of America, Caterpillar and Amazon will return to the fair. This year, Apple and Facebook will be attending for the first time.
Director of Student Engagement for the College of Engineering, Brian Koehler, has been working with the fair since it started 15 years ago.
“They put us on the short list here at NC State because we have one of the largest colleges of engineering,” Koehler said. “Companies from all over come here to NC State. It’s truly amazing.”
The fair gives promising engineering students face-time in front of big name recruiters. William Stroud, a sophomore studying industrial engineering, is hoping the fair will help him line up a summer internship.
“I am very excited to go back,” Stroud said. “After attending last year, I gained insight into what it takes to interact with the companies, and I am looking forward to putting that knowledge to use.”
Elizabeth Adams, a sophomore studying chemical engineering, is looking forward to seeing certain companies and how they operate.
“I am really excited to talk to Hospria Inc.” Adams said. “It’s going to be interesting to see how they use the skills I learn in class for the health and pharmaceutical field.”
Others are nervous about the amount of competition present. The number of individuals impressed Edward Knuckley, a sophomore studying biological and agricultural engineering.
“As soon as I walked up, the line out the door was intimidating,” Knuckley said. “I realized that this was more serious than I originally thought.”
Although the majority who attend the fair are engineering students, Koehler points out the fair is a great way for non-engineering students to meet with companies as well.
“Most of the companies who come not only employ engineers, but they also could be looking for someone in human resources or finance,” Kohler said. “These connections to such companies are key.”
Hamilton Ross, a sophomore studying business administration, will be attending the fair as a non-engineering student.
“I am just trying to make the most of every chance I get,” Ross said. “These are all great companies who have great financial departments, so why not go?”
Kohler added some tips for students who plan to attend.
“Dress for success, have confidence, bring your resume and network,” Kohler said. “These companies are coming here for you, the students, do not forget that.”
The university will provide students with a shuttle that gives transportation to and from the McKimmon Center. The fair is free for students, alumni and visitors. Students are asked to bring their student ID for a quicker registration.
