STCC Career and College Transfer Fair offers networking opportunities
Kevin Urban, an admissions counselor at Westfield State University, speaks to students about transfer opportunities.
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Springfield Technical Community College buzzed with excitement and opportunity as it played host to a vibrant Career and College Transfer Fair.
The event on April 11, which brought together students, alumni, employers and representatives from various colleges and universities, served as a catalyst for networking, exploration and future planning.
“The Career and College Transfer Fair exemplifies STCC's commitment to empowering students with the resources and support they need to achieve their goals,” said Gladys Franco, assistant vice president of Workforce Development. “By fostering connections between students, employers and academic institutions, the fair serves as a bridge between education and employment, paving the way for future success.
Students Mark Ngure and Daniel Padilla seek networking opportunities at the event.
The fair, held each semester on the STCC campus, aims to provide students with valuable insights into potential career paths, as well as opportunities to seamlessly transition to four-year institutions for further education. This year's fair exceeded expectations, drawing a diverse array of participants eager to engage with recruiters, explore educational pathways and discover the myriad possibilities that lie ahead.
“I am looking to network, meet people and get to know the employers and the colleges,” said STCC business transfer student Daniel Padilla of Chicopee.
He took advantage of the mock interviews offered before the official start of the fair. “It was great. They gave me a lot of feedback. All the skills learned today are going to enhance my development,” he said.
Another student, Cameil Addison, of Springfield, is studying Cybersecurity and looking to find out about opportunities to transfer to a four-year institution and continuing her education.
“You can always visit websites and read about it online, but nothing beats talking to somebody and networking and finding new connections,” Addison said.
You can always visit websites and read about it online, but nothing beats talking to somebody and networking and finding new connections.Cameil Addison, STCC student
With over 37 employers and 20 colleges and universities gathered in the gymnasium of Scibelli Hall (Building 2), the fair offered something for everyone. From health care to technology, business to social work, representatives from a wide range of industries were on hand to connect with students and share valuable insights about their respective fields.
Jeff Czelusniak, operations manufacturing manager for L3Harris Technologies in Northampton, spoke with attendees about employment opportunities.
Jeff Czelusniak from L3Harris Technologies in Northampton speaks to an STCC student.
“As a local business, we’re looking to maintain a lot of the local talent in this area,” he said. “We’ve had a good relationship with STCC. This is my third career fair, and we have, through connecting with professors, found out that a lot of what they’re learning in certain programs relates directly to what we do as a business in Northampton.
STCC, the only technical community college in Massachusetts, offers programs such as Optics and Photonics, Mechanical Engineering Technology and Electrical Engineering Technology, which align with positions at L3Harris, Czelusniak said.
Yanira Rivera, human resource coordinator at Caring Health Center, said the company was looking to fill nursing positions.
“We had a few students pass by who were interested in the positions we have to offer,” she said. “We are here to help the students get jobs.”
Cybersecurity student Cameil Addison looks for opportunities at the fair.
For those considering transferring to a four-year institution, the fair served as a one-stop shop for information and guidance. Representatives from colleges and universities across the region were on hand to discuss transfer requirements, academic programs, and campus life to help students make informed decisions about their next steps.
Kevin Urban, an admissions counselor at Westfield State University, was happy to talk to STCC students and answer questions.
“There is a major relationship between our two schools,” he said. “The face-to-face interaction is very beneficial. The college application process can be intimidating. These face-to-face events put a smiling face on it.”
In addition to networking opportunities, the Workforce Development division, which organized the fair, offered workshops and informational sessions designed to equip students with essential skills for career success. Topics ranged from resume writing and interview tips to sessions focused on how to dress to impress and how to leverage social media networks. The fair offered professional headshots for attendees.
As the day drew to a close, participants departed with a renewed sense of purpose and possibility. Armed with newfound knowledge, connections and inspiration, they are ready to embark on the next chapter of their academic and professional journeys, confident in the opportunities that lie ahead.
As STCC business transfer student Mark Ngure of South Hadley put it, “It went really well. It was good to gain some relevant experience at the mock interviews from seasoned professionals. I came here to network and connect and gain information.”
Interested in applying to STCC? Visit stcc.edu/apply or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333.
About Springfield Technical Community College
STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequaled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu