Ferris State University held its Spring Career Success Expo this past Thursday, Feb. 26.
It was a way for students to find possible careers or land possible internship opportunities, giving them the chance to meet with a variety of career professionals to try to obtain a position in a particular field.
The advice students were given is to dress for success and with that, it shows that students actually care and are committed to that chosen field of interest.
Career and Professional Success holds these career expos every semester, in the fall and the spring.
Some students were willing to weigh in on their thoughts as well as the women in charge of running the career expo.
Career Readiness Specialist and Employer Liaison, Michele Albright, shared more details about why the expo is hosted yearly.
“Career Success Expo is one of the few spaces where students can engage in meaningful career conversations, explore occupations, and meet hundreds of recruiters in a single day,” Albright said. “Many students don’t otherwise have access to that kind of exposure. These networking events give students the chance to practice the employment skills that employers seek from all college graduates, including communication, professionalism, career & self-development, and teamwork.”
Having the opportunity to see what professionals in the field are looking for gives students an advantage and puts them on the right track when looking for employment.
Albright shared how networking is a crucial component of the event that students can take advantage of.
“Students apply what they’ve learned about resumes, interviewing, online profiles and having confident career conversations in a real-world setting,” Albright said. Most importantly, they build connections. Sustainable careers often start with relationships, not just applications.”
Sophomore and in the design program, Kiann Schmottlach, shares more about how she thinks the career expo could help her land a position somewhere.
“I think it’s just really good to talk to more professionals. I’m not exactly looking for anything. I’m just trying to talk to some people and see what’s out there,” Schmottlach said.
Junior in Computer Information Systems, Lucy Tran, has also shared her thoughts on the Career Expo.
“I can talk to them face to face, and I can hand them my resume, and then I can ask more about the career opportunities that I can find in their company, Tran said. “I think it’s really helpful because they get to know more about me, not just online, where the AI can scan your resume and then just skip it.”
Artificial intelligence plays a big role in our society nowadays. AI can be used to our advantage. It can be used as an insightful tool when beginning to develop a resume or start searching for jobs.
Albright mentioned some of these helpful uses of AI and how those looking for a career could be using it.
“It’s a tool; when paired with career coaching, it can strengthen resumes, improve interview preparation, and enhance critical thinking and technology skills. The concern arises when students use AI without a strategy or personalization, weakening authenticity and Communication impact,” Albright said. “More often, the issue isn’t effort, it’s approach. Students may apply to many roles but lack meaningful connections. Career fairs and employer events provide something online applications cannot: direct dialogue with recruiters. Many individuals never have the chance to explore careers in depth or meet hiring professionals face-to-face. That human connection, supported by career resources, is what turns applications into opportunities.”
The event encourages students to walk and talk with potential employers and learn more about their respective fields. The next Career Success Expo will be held in the fall semester of 2026.