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After he graduates from ��������, Michael Hopkins, ’25, is confident he will be ready for what’s next. This is thanks to the opportunities he’s been exposed to at �������� as he works toward a degree in business administration. 

“Getting a degree is more than just a piece of paper, I want to make sure I have a career set up,” he said.  

Hopkins recently attended a job and internship fair hosted by �������� after his mentor and assistant wrestling coach, Fox Maxwell, informed him of the event.  

The fair itself was easy to navigate, Hopkins said, and there was a variety of recruiters that appealed to him.  

“I was able to learn about various types of industries, accounting firms, supply chains, marketing and publications,” Hopkins said. “It was really good. It was the first professional step I’ve taken in my young career.” 

Hopkins’ experience is exactly why �������� hosts these events, said Laurent Troland, career services’ associate director of outreach and engagement.  

“It is important for students to have face time with hiring managers, and it puts students into the driver’s seat,” he said.  

Instead of applying for a job or internship online, at a job and internship fair students can talk in-person with recruiters and hand out their resumes. It gives them the ability to start a conversation that could turn into a job offer, Troland said.  

“It gives them an edge over their competition and shows their initiative to potential employers,” he said.  

Talking with recruiters face-to-face helped Hopkins gain a sense of what he wants to do post-graduation.  

“It was nice to see the different options. Going to the fair definitely opened up my knowledge more,” he said.  

Troland said, it’s important for students from all majors and class years to make an effort to attend the job fairs offered on campus.  

“For students seeking internships or jobs it is an ideal opportunity to speak with professionals about potential roles to see if they are right for any of them, and then hopefully setup interviews with those organizations,” he said.  

Which is exactly what Hopkins did. After applying for a job as a sales representative, he received a call back for an interview. He’s optimistic that he’ll soon get an offer.  

“I would tell students to go to all the job internship fairs, it’s a great opportunity to network. Someone once told me your net worth is your network. Networking is often how you get on a path to succeed,” he said.  

Do you have a �������� story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu