From Bramlage to the boardroom: Students turn connections into career opportunities at All-University Career Fair
K-State students meet with potential employers at the 2024 All-University Career Fair.
Each fall, thousands of Kansas State University students step into the All-University Career Fair with resumes in hand and leave with new connections, valuable experiences and, in many cases, the first step toward their future careers. The fair is more than a networking event; it's where Wildcats transform classroom learning into real-world opportunities.
For Emma Aufdemberge, a junior majoring in feed and pet food science, the fair offered the perfect setting to explore her options.
"The career fair gave me the opportunity to ask questions in person and get detailed explanations of the roles and responsibilities of the internship," Aufdemberge said. After narrowing down her choices, she accepted a summer internship with Innovative Livestock Services in Great Bend.
Some experiences move even faster. Kaitlyn Steinbeck, a senior in geology, received an offer almost immediately after speaking with recruiters. I am running a few minutes late; my previous meeting is running over.
"I was offered the position almost on the spot last year at the All-University Career Fair," she said of her internship as a Cleanpack Chemist with Clean Harbors in Independence, Missouri. "At my internship, I loved being able to see many different aspects of working at Clean Harbors and going out on jobs with many different people too."
For Jordan Kramer, now a junior in civil engineering, the fair provided a chance to connect with a range of employers before finding the right fit.
"I came well prepared and spoke to several companies, but KDOT really stuck out to me as an interesting opportunity," Kramer said.
His summer was filled with hands-on experiences, from road and bridge design to asphalt overlay projects, which helped him build practical skills and expand his professional network across the state.
Drew McGinn, a senior majoring in sales and accounting, said the fair was key to helping him discover his ideal career path.
"The career fair last year was such a unique opportunity to network and discover new career paths to get a feel for what an internship is like," McGinn said.
That experience led him to an internship as an Ag Dealer Intern with PrairieLand Partners in Andale, Kansas.
"Without it, I wouldn't have found the first internship I completed last summer that I loved."
This year's All-University Career Fair will take place Sept. 23-25 at Bramlage Coliseum, with more than 350 employers expected and more than 4,000 students anticipated to attend.
Students are encouraged to dress professionally, bring printed copies of their resume and prepare thoughtful questions to make a strong first impression.
The Career Center recommends researching employers in advance through Handshake, K-State's career management platform, and reviewing the Tips for Career Fair Success guide to feel confident when approaching recruiters.