STCC hosts College and Career Fair, welcoming over 50 employers and schools

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Springfield Technical Community College welcomed job seekers, students, alumni and community members to the Glorious Jobs Galore College and Career Fair on April 9.

The event featured more than 60 tables with local and regional employers, as well as representatives from four-year colleges and universities. The fair was open to STCC students, alumni, prospective students and members of the public, offering access to full-time and part-time jobs, internships and transfer guidance – all under one roof.

“Today is a great day,” said Nathan Andary, Director of Career Services at STCC. “We have employers and colleges and universities here for both the career and college transfer fair. We have approximately 55 employers that span all the disciplines – from nursing to laser optics and photonics, HVAC, electrical engineering, social work and anything you can imagine.”

“This is a way to bring employers and put job seekers together in a reduced-barrier kind of way,” Andary added.

Darcey Kemp, Vice President of Student Affairs at STCC, said the event reflects the college’s mission to support its students beyond the classroom. “Career and transfer readiness are critical to student success. Events like this empower our students to envision their next steps, build confidence and make real-world connections that can change their lives. It’s inspiring to see the energy on campus today.”

Employers praised the fair as an accessible, targeted way to meet potential hires – many of whom have technical and professional training from STCC.

Joshua Prouser, a 2014 STCC graduate and now Inside Sales Application Engineer at Flow Tech, Inc., said, “Being that this is a technical school, we think this is a really good opportunity to find new talent. A career fair is a great place to bring students and prospective employers together in an easy environment.”

This is a way to bring employers and put job seekers together in a reduced-barrier kind of way. Nathan Andary, Director of Career Services at STCC

Kerry Malo, who works at Amity Street Dental in Amherst, said she hoped to meet soon-to-be graduates from STCC’s dental hygiene program: “We are hoping that we can actually just extend out and reach them and give them an opportunity as soon as they graduate. Since COVID, it’s been difficult finding licensed professionals.”

Christina Pietroniro of Singer Equipment Co. said, “We’re hoping to come out of here with a few resumes and a lot of interest.”

UMass Amherst’s Rachael Larriu, HR and recruiting manager of administration and finance, said the university was focused on spreading awareness about trades positions and facilities jobs. “We’re trying to highlight our HVAC and refrigeration programs and let STCC graduates know there are opportunities at UMass,” she said. “We’re also here representing our admissions department, acting as a bridge for students thinking about transferring.”

STCC students also had the chance to speak with college representatives to plan the next step in their academic journey.

Joanna Lenfest, Assistant Director of Transfer Admissions at Westfield State University, said, “Westfield State has a longstanding partnership with STCC. A lot of students from STCC – once they get their associate degree – will come to Westfield State. STCC’s one of our most prominent populations. We have MassTransfer pathways (a collaboration between state universities and community colleges), so they can jump right into their major with all their general education work done.”

Students appreciated the chance to meet employers and explore careers and transfer options in a low-pressure environment.

Justin Baez, an Energy Systems Technology student, said, “I don’t really have a strict plan. I’m asking questions, seeing what I might gravitate toward – and what turns me off. It’s great that this is right here on campus with a bunch of different employers. It’s cool to get the opportunity to meet them in the same place.”

Community member Bashir Islam found a lot of useful resources at the fair: “I am not a student here, but I am trying to avail myself of the job fair and the kind of services they have here, which is excellent. I’m just trying to connect with businesses,” he said.

As an added bonus, attendees had access to free professional headshots, helping them prepare for applications and interviews with a polished online presence.

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

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