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The 2024 STEM Career Expo was a day-long event, organized by the Career Development Center at the , where graduate and undergraduate students were seen in large numbers pursuing potential career prospects. Employers from companies such as , , , , NYPD Recruitment Section, and many more took part. The employers provided detailed information and attention to the students, offering demonstrations, real-time explanations, and their contact information.

"For me, career fair development is my passion project,” said Bakhtawar (Baki) Izzat, employer relations manager at the University’s Career Development Center. “It was a pleasure to see the 2024 STEM Career Fair with more than 900 students and 50 employers in attendance, and I was proud to see the dedication of our students.”

Derek Favret, employer and engineering recruiter from , enjoyed connecting with students.

"We always find fantastic students from the University of New Haven,” he said. “It is a pleasure to see the involvement of candidates from the University with our company. It feels like home here."

"I think career fairs are essential for a student's growth as they meet new people,” he continued. “Moreover, they discover opportunities they did not even know existed. I recommend students attend these career fairs because there will always be a new company, new opportunity, and a new connection that might be life-changing."

‘Inspire students to explore’

At the fair, current undergraduate and graduate mechanical engineering students displayed robots they built. One of the teams led by Professor Cheryl Li included Keerthivaasan (KV) Matheswaran ’25 M.S., Ishaq Shahzad Syed ’24 M.S., and Morgan Fabbricatore ’24. They added a fun element to it by making it a mini-golf game. They interacted with multiple people at the expo and provided them with a live demo of what these robots can do.

"We have been working on these robots since last summer as part of the Mechatronics Lab with the help of Mr. Kelly, supervisor of the Mechanical Engineering lab,” said KV. “These collaborative robots, also known as cobots, are versatile and have many applications. Despite its small size, it boasts impressive performance. With a reach of 19.7 inches and a payload capacity of 6.6 lbs, it's perfect for automating tasks in tight workspaces."

KV also elaborated on his current goal of developing a 3D scanning and reconstruction system that involves these cobots, ensuring accurate modelling even in hazardous and inaccessible conditions. He reflected on his team members' research projects in the area.

"We are planning to develop more creative and fun activities with our cobots for future events to help students learn more about them and inspire students to explore exciting projects and research opportunities," he said.

‘A brighter future for all’

Ariana Bengston ’22 M.A., an alum of the University, returned to campus as an employer this time, recruiting for / . She was excited to be part of the career fair and to engage with students from various majors. She discussed the current openings and opportunities at CW.

"It was great being back on campus and catching up with familiar faces such as the faculty and staff while meeting new students,” she said. “As a recruiter, I encourage all students to make time for career fairs to learn important skills such as networking and business acumen. Even if you don't find the perfect role, you may build a connection that might inspire you throughout your career.”

Izzat, who organized the career fair, said she was happy to see current students representing their work, such as the students who built the robots.

“Moments like these reaffirm the impact of our efforts, knowing that we are transforming the leaders and innovators of tomorrow,” she said. “It's an honor to host events that can showcase our students’ talents. Every effort taken by our team at the CDC and our university contributes to a brighter future for all."

‘A great place for students to build connections’

Matt Caporale, executive director of the Career Development Center, was pleased with the turnout at the career expo.

"Career fairs are a great place for students to build connections with employers and expand their networking,” he said. “While not everyone will get an internship or job from a fair, everyone can learn about companies and opportunities, make a professional connection, and start a conversation with an employer to make an opportunity come down the road."

Caporale says the CDC's focus remains on continuing to develop student growth with such career fairs. He says the CDC is always available to assist students in their job or internship search.

"Now that the fair is over, students must take this chance and connect with the employers they met at the career fair through LinkedIn and Handshake,” he said. “Following up is an important part of the process. Students must not stop applying for jobs and must keep the momentum going."

Anchal Bhatia ’24 MBA is a candidate in the University’s MBA program.