Where Careers Begin: Marian University Students Take First Steps at Career and Internship Fair

For Marian University students, the path to a future career begins in the halls of campus. At this year’s Career and Internship Fair, hosted by The Exchange, more than 40 employers lined up to meet students, share opportunities, and connect talent with industries ranging from healthcare and pharmaceuticals to logistics and marketing.

Sophomore Grace Kercher was among the students eager to make connections. She’s already thinking about her future internship opportunities.

“It’s valuable for my future,” she said. “It will help me develop skills that I may not already have, and skills in future opportunities.”

Employers see the value, too. The all-majors fair is so popular that there’s a waiting list for companies hoping to attend. That level of demand underscores the strength of Marian’s approach to career readiness, said Brandy Bast, Director of Curriculum Integration with The Exchange.

“We always tell our students from orientation on—see us early and often,” Bast explained. “This is one of the ways we engage with our students.”

The event isn’t just about handing out resumes. Students also have access to professional headshots, the chance to practice conversations with recruiters, and the experience of stepping outside their comfort zones. For sophomore Rebecca Quezada, that’s exactly the point.

“This is always out of your comfort zone. Approaching new people can be challenging. Marian provides this opportunity, and it’s great for everyone to give it a try,” she said.

Every interaction at the Career and Internship Fair, a handshake, a conversation, or a new LinkedIn connection, plays a part in transforming academic experience into a real-world opportunity. For many Marian students, these events mark the beginning of a rewarding career path.