College rivalries are fun, and sometimes heated, on the courts and fields. Outside of the stadiums, athletic conferences often work together to benefit students in academics, research, mental health and career opportunities.
In that spirit, Sara Muzzy and Kim Kufahl of Shocker Career Accelerator organized the AAC Virtual Career Fair 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Oct. 28. All 11 full members of the American Athletic Conference will participate (although the event is not connected to the athletic departments or conference).
The cooperation with schools in metropolitan areas such as Houston, Dallas, Philadelphia, Cincinnati and Orlando expand the field of businesses and non-profits searching for talent. It also expands the pool of student and alumni talent available to employers.
“It’s a great opportunity for students to meet with employers they normally wouldn’t be able to get in front of,” said Muzzy, director of Shocker Career Accelerator. “We’re hopeful that our students make some great connections.”
More than 94 employers, offering jobs, internships and co-op opportunities, signed up and Muzzy said she expects more to join before the event. More than 100 Wichita State students and alumni are registered.
“The important thing to remember is this is for all majors,” Muzzy said. “All of these employers are looking for different types of opportunities and ways of working with students. Some of the employers are nation-wide. Some of them have remote opportunities.”
Local entities such as Textron Aviation, Fidelity Bank and the Kansas Department of Transportation will participate. Mayo Clinic, ArtistYear, Weeks Marine, Total Quality Logistics and Orange County Public Schools are among the entities from elsewhere available for meetings. Many, such as Angi and WebstaurantStore, offer remote opportunities.
A list of employers is available here.
Students can register at careereco.com/Events/AAC.
Before attending the AAC Career Fair, students can prepare with workshops on interviews, resumes and the Online JCPenney Suit-Up Event.
Along with these workshops, students can make one-on-one in-person or virtual appointments with Career Counselors for a resume review (10 Shocker360 points) or mock interview (20 Shocker360 points) before the career fair through Handshake or by contacting 316-978-3688 or SCA@wichita.edu.
