Spring Career Fairs Open Doors for Students and Industry Professionals

For students, these events offer direct access to potential employers, while industry partners get the chance to meet future professionals eager to contribute to their success. Auburn’s College of Architecture, Design and Construction (CADC) offers two career fairs each spring semester: one for the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture (APLA) and another for the McWhorter School of Building Science (BSCI).

Julian Schwartz, a Building Science senior set to graduate this May, is one such student who found BSCI’s spring career fair to be an essential stepping stone. With three years of internship experience on his resume and graduation on the horizon, Schwartz was eager to explore new opportunities in the construction industry. He turned to Angie White, BSCI Career Services Specialist, for guidance on his resume and career fair prep.

“There is really immeasurable value in CADC’s Career Services approach,” Schwartz shared. “When I speak to friends in other disciplines about our Career Services offerings, they often cannot believe the amount of support I have received and how accessible it is. For me, BSCI Career Services has played a role in every step of the process. I have been guided on how to dress for certain events, how to prepare for interviews, who to focus on and who is right for me specifically, and now I am receiving guidance on what to look for in companies as job offers and second or third round interviews come my way.”

Schwartz also highlighted the importance of interview opportunities connected to the fair, which allow students to engage in multiple interviews in one centralized location. The vast number of companies in attendance presents both opportunities and challenges, and Schwartz credits White for helping him navigate the options.

“There are over 130 companies at the BSCI Career Fair, and there really isn’t enough time to research all of them,” he said. “That’s something I turned to Angie for. She was able to provide a curated list of companies that were a better fit for me.”

Finding the right fit is equally important for industry partners attending the fair. Kimberly Wilson, director of recruitment and marketing manager for Birmingham-based Nequette Architecture & Design, finds the APLA Career Fair to be a key part of their recruiting strategy, helping them discover the next generation of talent.

“We look for a diverse portfolio, and Auburn students have just that,” she said. “We want students who can work in many roles and collaborate well. Auburn students are trained for these scenarios, and it shows both in the projects they’ve engaged in and how they present themselves.”

The dual format of the fairs—combining open networking with structured interviews—ensures APLA and BSCI students gain exposure to potential employers, while companies like Nequette meet candidates who fit their needs.

Wilson appreciates the attention to detail that CADC Career Services Specialist Mindy Walden gives to the APLA fair and that companies are given an important understanding of what to expect.

“Mindy keeps us in the loop, giving a strong sense of what we as employers should expect, and it’s clear they do the same for students,” she shared. “It ensures everyone involved gets the most out of it.  Auburn is prepared, and we know their students are prepared also.”

Nequette is no stranger to Auburn, with many alumni, including owner Louis Nequette, on their team.

“Auburn is giving companies a positive impression about their students, and they have a clear commitment to helping their future,” she said. “We are always excited for the fair because we know we’ll meet well-prepared students, and we don’t want to miss out.”