The 2026 spring career fair was held Tuesday, Feb. 10.
MANHATTAN.EDU / COURTESY
Gabriella Dickson, Staff Writer
On Tuesday Feb. 10, Manhattan University (MU) held a career fair that was open to all students across different majors to network, find their places in the workforce and discover new possibilities as students of MU. The career fair, which is held every year during both the fall and spring semesters, was occupied by many different companies and were eager to connect students.
Julie Anna Alvarez Rivera, director of the Center for Career Development, spoke to The Quadrangle about why she thinks the career fair is important for the students.
“It’s important because the employers get to have ‘face’ time with you,” Rivera said. “You get to ask questions in person, learn about new internships and post-graduate opportunities and really get to know first hand what is available.”
As the director of the center, it is Rivera’s job to help students with networking. She helps guide them into entering the workforce by not just acquiring students with the proper skillset, but also advising them on what they could possibly do in the future.
The Quadrangle asked Rivera about how going to the career fairs held here on campus can impact students’ chances at entering the workforce or finding a good career path.
MANHATTAN.EDU/ COURTESY
“…By showing up to the career fairs, you’re showing a certain level of commitment and interest to the employers that are there…” Rivera said. “It gives them [employers] a sense of ‘Oh, there’s some real interest and real commitment to this.’ That makes them more interested in you as a student and as a candidate that they would take another look at and potentially hire.”
Shu Amanuma, a junior international studies major, spoke to The Quadrangle about how attending the career fair can help with entering the workforce and finding jobs in your career path.
“I think it’s never going to [have] any negatives,” Amanuma said. “The more you go up [and talk] to people the more things you hear [in general and from] the past experiences of alumni, regardless of if the company you’re talking to has nothing to do with your major, it’s always an insightful experience because personal and individual experiences are what makes up these career paths.”
Amanuma also commented on some tips she has for students who are interested in joining the workforce, or are going to attend the next career fair during the fall semester.
“My tip is definitely targeted towards liberal arts students,” Amanuma said. “I feel that civil engineers have enough opportunities at career fairs because most companies that come to [recruit at MU] are civil engineering companies…These construction companies are huge corporations, which means they aren’t just hiring engineers. They still need to hire HR, logistics, whatever else there…Put yourself out there.”
Shannon Jaworsky, a freshman electrical engineering major, spoke to The Quadrangle about why she thinks the career fair is important for students.
“It’s definitely important to get students connected to alumni and other [employers] that didn’t go to [MU],” Jaworsky said. “Like companies around the area that are looking for internships, looking for people to work. It helps these companies recruit more people and it helps the students get out there and get experience.”
Jaworsky also mentioned some tips she has for students who are possibly thinking of attending the next career fair.
“Make sure you dress nicely to make a good first impression,” Jaworsky said. “And don’t be afraid to talk to people, because otherwise, there would be no point in going.”