APLA, BSCI Foster Professional Connections for Students with Spring Career Fairs

In early February, representatives from nearly 90 architecture and design firms gathered on campus to conduct approximately 1,040 interviews with APLA students. The 316 students in attendance averaged three interviews a piece, jam-packing the day with connections and opportunities. The night before the fair, APLA hosted a Welcome Reception, fostering introductions between upper-level students and firm representatives.

“This fair is an amazing opportunity for our students and industry partners to engage in a face-to-face event to make connections for internships and job opportunities,” said Mindy Walden, CADC Career Services Specialist. “We are so appreciative to all of the attending firms for making this fair such an important and impactful time for our students.”

This year in addition to the architecture studios, APLA hosted 11 multidisciplinary practices with hiring opportunities for students in the environmental design program and 10 firms dedicated to landscape architecture—catering to the second cohort  of Bachelor of Landscape Architecture students who will be graduating this May.

Laura Shue Keller ‘06, Senior Vice President of Talent at TVS in Atlanta, praised the APLA Career Fair as the best one she attends each year that sets the standard for professional networking.

“The combination of thoughtful preparation, strong communication and a well‑designed format allows students and firms to connect in meaningful ways,” Shue Keller said. “Receiving résumés in advance and having the opportunity to schedule interviews beforehand makes the experience more productive for everyone, while the open browse session in the morning provides valuable time to connect with a wide range of students.”

A few weeks later, 136 companies—spanning general contractors, specialty trades and residential contractors—came to interview students for the BSCI Spring Career Fair, the second of three fairs throughout the academic year. Advanced research and preparation allowed students to sit for nearly 200 interviews over the few days the industry partners were in town, continuing the cyclical networking that BSCI facilitates year-round.

“Ahead of networking events like the Career Fair, we encourage students to research the wonderful companies who are coming to meet them—to learn more about who they are and what kind of work they do,” said Angie White, BSCI Career Services Specialist, who coordinates the BSCI fair. “We want our students to make the most of their time with industry representatives and put their best foot forward for career opportunities.”

Lauren Redden, BSCI Undergraduate Program Chair and Associate Professor, said that the career fair reflects the School’s commitment to student-centered, high-impact experiences that connect classroom learning to professional practice.

“Industry partners—many of whom are alumni—return year after year because they value the quality, skills and professionalism our students consistently demonstrate,” Redden said.