Why career fairs and major exploration are important for students early in college life

Entering college can be an exciting and overwhelming experience. With newfound independence also comes academic challenges and pressure to plan for the future, and it can be easy to overlook opportunities that might not seem immediately relevant.

One of the most important steps a student can take is attending career fairs, major exploration events and taking advantage of networking opportunities. These events provide crucial exposure to job industries, can help develop professional skills and will set the foundation for future internships and job opportunities.

“Even as a freshman, going to career fairs and starting to make those connections is so important because it can help gain knowledge and a better understanding of the field you might have already committed to,” Holders said.

One of the biggest challenges students may face is deciding on a career path. Many students start college with an undeclared major or a loose idea of what they want to do after graduation.

To help with this, Troy often holds major and career exploration events, guiding students make more informed decisions about their educational and career goals.

Cody Barnett, a freshman from Jackson, Mississippi, attended one of Troy’s career fairs last semester, and after speaking with a representative from Pathway, a DHR facility, decided that social work was what he wanted to major in.

“These kids are put in group homes and just kind of left there and no one really does anything to help them and then they just age out and they’re on their own” Barnett said. “I want to be able to help them, so they’re better equipped once they’re out.

“Going to the career fair helped me decide that.”

Troy’s Office of Career Services also provides helpful tools for students to use such as Handshake, a platform that notifies students of upcoming career events and seminars, biginterview, a training service that allows students to practice their interviewing skills, and self-assessment programs like Focus2, Career Coach and What Can I Do With This Major that help students narrow down which career paths and majors might be best suited for their skills and interests.

In addition to company representatives, career fairs are also a good place to meet upperclassmen, alumni and faculty members who can provide mentorship and advice that will help guide students to success.

While career fairs might seem intimidating, they are an important resource for career exploration, networking and skill development. Attending these events early can help clarify their goals, establish meaningful connections, and gain a competitive edge in the growing job market.

The next major exploration and graduate programs fair will take place on March 3rd from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. in the Lamar P. Higgins Ballrooms; students can sign up on Handshake.