STEM-Focused Career Fair Opens Doors for Students

The University of New Haven’s David A. Beckerman Recreation Center buzzed with conversation as students met with representatives from a wide array of companies, handing out resumes and engaging in conversations about their futures. From first-year students eager to explore opportunities to more experienced graduate students seeking full-time positions, the event served as a launch pad for student success.

For Madelyn Miele’26, a chemistry and forensic science major, the fair was an opportunity to meet companies in her fields. “I connected mainly with two companies: BYK USA, because they’re a specialty chemicals supplier, and the NYC Office of Chief Medical Examiner, because I’m a forensic science major,” she said.

“The Career Development Center helped me a lot in preparing for today” Miele continued. “Having them help me write a resume and cover letter was really helpful, and using Handshake has been a huge resource for this.”

Employers were equally impressed with the preparedness of the students. Kayla Gabel, a representative from BYK USA, highlighted the professionalism she encountered. “I’ve been to quite a few career fairs throughout the state this year, and one thing that really stands out is that everyone here has had their resume. That’s key for a lot of companies because we like to have those conversations with students, and if they’re the right fit, we can move the process along quickly.”

With representatives from a wide range of industries, the fair provided something for everyone. Companies such as Dimeo Construction Company, Ion Bank, and the New York State Police were eager to engage with students to discuss career pathways.

Miles Fye-Moore, a representative from Dimeo Construction Company noted what impressed him the most about the University of New Haven’s Career Fair. “I’ve met a lot of young, eager, enthusiastic individuals,” he said.

“What sets this career fair apart is the sheer volume of students who are eager to learn, meet people, and network,” he continued. “It’s also different because the University has a master’s program for construction management, so we’ve also seen candidates who are a little more experienced.”

Students saw the fair as a way to get their foot in the door. “I’m looking for a summer internship,” said Justin Vaillancourt ’27, a mechanical engineering student. “Even if a company isn’t hiring right now, I still want to talk to them, get my name out there, and make those connections.”

For many students, preparation for the fair began before they stepped through the doors. The University’s Career Development Center played a crucial role in ensuring students were ready to make the most of the event.

Spoorthy Reddy Ittireddy ’26 M.S., a candidate in the information science graduate program, credited the center with helping her feel confident in her approach. “The Career Development Center helped me build my resume and to have confidence in it,” she said. “That helped me so much.” She was particularly excited to connect with Trust Engine Labs as she searched for internship opportunities.

Vaillancourt also emphasized the importance of preparation. “Something that helped me prepare was having my resume looked over by the Career Development Center. They helped me format it in a way that looks much more professional. That’s the resume I’ve been giving people today.”

He also found Handshake, the robust career platform all Chargers have access to, to be an essential tool. “I went on Handshake to look at all the companies that would be here, read about them, looked at the positions they have open, and where they’re located. That helped me know what I was stepping into before I walked in here, because it can be very nerve-wracking otherwise.”

For both students and employers, the University’s STEM Career Fair was a start for future opportunities and conversations. As Gabel from BYK put it, “It’s been great to see the preparation on the students’ part. This has been a really great career fair.”