Nearly 100 employers filled the Student Center atrium and Glasscock Ballroom at Cleveland State University on Wednesday, drawing hundreds of students eager to network, interview and explore job opportunities. More than 900 students registered for the annual CSU Career Fair, featuring dozens of key regional employers.

“It’s to help students engage with employers and make meaningful connections,” said Morgan Black, employer relations graduate assistant, who helped coordinate the event.

Black said planning for the fair began in October. One of the biggest challenges, she said, was coordinating dozens of employers and ensuring they arrived prepared and on time.

“It’s challenging, but it’s also fun and rewarding when everybody shows up,” she said.

This year’s event saw a growth in both employer participation and student engagement compared with previous years, Black said. More students registered in advance through Handshake, the university’s career management platform, and were able to preview job postings before attending.

“We have a lot more employers and a lot more students engaged and registered beforehand,” Black said.

Education and health care were among the most represented industries, though Black noted a noticeable increase in logistics and construction employers this year.

Notable businesses and institutions represented, included Cleveland Cavaliers Holdings LLC, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Guardians Baseball, Ideastream Public Media, K&D Management, Metrohealth System, Playhouse Square, Rocket, Sherwin Williams and so many more
 

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Wednesday’s fair offered something tangible: conversation, connection and the possibility of what comes next.

“Employers just want to see that you’re willing and open to learn,” Black said. “Open communication is a big thing.”

When asked why in-person career fairs remain important in an increasingly digital job market, Black emphasized the value of face-to-face interaction.

“It’s important that you know how to talk to people and interact with people face to face,” she said. “That’s not going to go away.”

For many students, the fair provided both opportunity and reassurance.

Edward Hauck, a senior social studies education major, was attending his first CSU career fair.

“I’m looking for a teaching position,” Hauck said, who wants to teach grades 7-12. “Networking and full-time roles, for sure.”

Though he admitted he was “super nervous” walking in, Hauck said employers were welcoming.

“All the districts I’ve spoken to have been very kind to me," he said. "I’m really thankful for this opportunity to get my name out there.”

Hauck said a conversation with one school district was especially helpful.

“They told me, ‘This is the exact question I want you to start asking everybody, because this is how you’re going to get a job,'” Hauck said. “I was really thankful for that.”

He also ran into his former high school principal, who offered encouragement. “That was a nice little confidence boost."

As graduation approaches, Hauck acknowledged feeling some uncertainty about the job market, particularly in social studies education.

“It’s always hard finding your job as a teacher, especially a social studies teacher,” he chuckled. “But I know I’m one of a kind, so I know it’ll work out.”

He said events like the CSU Career Fair are essential for students navigating early career steps.

“They give me an opportunity that I might not otherwise have to get my name out there, especially as a young person,” Hauck said. “CSU has really been good to me for this.”

Employers echoed the importance of connection and presentation.

Patience German, recruiter and onboarding specialist for Sunflower Childcare Substitutes, said this was her second year attending the fair. The company partners with more than 120 child care centers throughout Northeast Ohio and hires for full-time, part-time and flexible roles designed specifically for college students.
 

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"The flex position means we can work with any hours,” German said. “Whether that’s one day a week, three days a week — we work with that schedule for them.”

German said the Cleveland area is a priority for recruitment, making CSU a valuable location for outreach.

“We love coming out to CSU every year,” she said.

While students from various majors can qualify, the company looks for candidates with at least six months of experience in a day care setting. However, German said she helps students gain that experience if needed.

“If they don’t have day care experience, no worries,” she said. “I actually send out resumes to our partner centers so you can gain that daycare experience.”

When speaking with students, for her passion matters most.

“We’re really looking for that passion,” German said. “We want to make sure these kids are loved and cared for.”

German said one of the most common mistakes students make at career fairs is failing to dress appropriately.

“Your first impression matters most,” she said.

She also pointed to a broader hiring trend that has become increasingly frustrating for employers: ghosting.

“The ghosting level is insane,” German said. “If you’re not interested, just tell me. I’m not going to be offended.”

She urged students to follow through once they begin the hiring process.

“The follow-through has to be taken,” she said. “Just be transparent.”

Despite challenges in the hiring landscape, German said she has seen strong engagement from CSU students. By midmorning, more than 20 students had already stopped by her table.

“I haven’t seen any crazy gaps that make me concerned,” she said.

For organizers, students and employers alike, the career fair represented more than a room filled with resumes. It was an opportunity for students to build confidence and see themselves as future professionals.

Black said her hope is that students leave feeling empowered.

“Just be more confident to go up and talk to employers,” she said. “To feel like they belong there and to be confident in what they bring.