Campus Life | October 25th, 2024

Florida A&M University Hosts Career Expo with Nearly 200 Employers

By: Tionne Wise

On October 23, Florida A&M University (FAMU) hosted its Fall 2024 All Majors Career and Internship Expo at the Al Lawson Jr. Multipurpose Center, drawing over 100 employers nationwide. The event, which ran from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., was designed to provide students with the chance to network, secure internships, and explore career opportunities in a competitive job market. 

Representatives from companies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), L’Oréal, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and KPMG were notable employers in attendance. 

Students Seek Opportunities at Expo 

The Career and Internship expo is one of many events open to all students, regardless of their major or field of study. Students attending the expo were encouraged to bring resumes and use the chance to connect with recruiters from various industries. 

According to Dr. Tamara Taylor, director of FAMU’s Career and Professional Development Center, the event is crucial in shaping students’ future career paths. 

“The Career and Internship Expo is like a big networking event where students and talent acquisition professionals gather to introduce themselves while assessing who may be a good fit,” said Dr. Taylor. “The win-win would be tremendous for the employers, students, and the brand of Florida A&M University.” 

Taylor also highlighted the importance of preparing early and consistently attending such events. 

 “Students who engage with their career center and start attending career expos during their first year typically end up with multiple job offers before graduation,” she added. 

Major Employers Highlight Internship Opportunities 

For recruiters, the expo offers a chance to scout FAMU’s top talent. A detective from the FBI, who has participated in the expo for the last four years, shared how they have successfully recruited several students from FAMU, emphasizing the need for candidates with a GPA of at least a 3.0 and involvement in campus organizations. 

“We look for well-rounded students who are not just academically strong but also involved in the campus community,” said the FBI recruiter. 

Katie Williams, an e-commerce marketing manager at L’Oréal, emphasized her company’s commitment to helping students gain a foothold in the industry. 

“We offer internships, fellowships, full-time jobs, and resources to get students’ foot in the door,” said Williams. “We connect with students on LinkedIn and provide them with internal and external opportunities.” 

The Role of Networking in Career Development 

 “Networking is crucial; it is not just about who you know, but who knows you,” says Dr. Taylor. She explained that students should view the expo as more than an optional event but a stepping stone in their professional journey. 

“Attending expos is a great means for building your network,” Taylor said. “If you are not building your professional network with people in your career area, who will advocate for you when you need an interview or a recommendation?” For students unsure of how to approach networking, Taylor’s team offers coaching appointments and career workshops designed to help FAMU students develop the skills necessary to succeed in the job market. 

Expo Postponed Due to Hurricane 

Initially scheduled for earlier in the fall, the expo was postponed due to Hurricane Helene, which impacted many parts of Florida. Had the initial event not been postponed, the event would have seen an increase in employer participation from the previous year, with a 2% rise in the number of companies attending. 

Taylor explained that many companies actively seek FAMU students year-round, particularly given the university’s solid national reputation. 

“Employers are knocking on our door year-round to recruit our talented students,” she said. 

“If you are not building your professional network with people in your career area, who will advocate for you when you need an interview or a recommendation?” — Dr. Tamara Taylor, Director, Career and Professional Development Center. 

 Tips for Making the Most of a Career Expo 

• Prepare Your Resume: Bring multiple copies and tailor each for different industries if necessary. 

• Dress Professionally: First impressions matter, so wear business attire. 

• Network: Do not just drop off your resume—have conversations and ask recruiters for their contact information. 

• Follow-Up: After the event, send follow-up emails or LinkedIn messages to recruiters to stay connected. 

• Use Career Resources: FAMU’s Career and Professional Development Center offers workshops and coaching sessions to help you succeed. 

For more information on upcoming career events and resources, visit FAMU Career and Professional Development Center or call 599-3700.