March 17, 2020
Trine University hosted its first Japanese Company Career Fair in the Jim and Joan Bock Center for Innovation and Biomedical Engineering on Feb. 26.
The Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) attended and sponsored the event, along with Japanese-owned companies Enkei America, II Stanley, Kimura Foundry America, Michigan Automotive Compressor Incorporation (MACI), Oji Intertech, Omron, Right Way Fasteners, SEAVAC, Subaru, Sullair and TRIN – Tokai Rika Indiana.
“Global investment and international partnerships play an increasingly important role in the economic health of our region and our nation,” said Earl D. Brooks II, Ph.D., Trine University president. “This event gives Trine University students the opportunity to meet and perhaps work for companies they may not otherwise have been able to contact, and it exposes a wider range of corporations to Trine graduates who have been well-equipped with the skills to succeed, lead and serve.”
Targeted toward engineering and business majors, the event drew more than 50 Trine students. Students said they appreciated the smaller size of the fair, which allowed for better interactions with employers.
“We are thrilled to have hosted the first Japanese Company Career Fair not only at Trine, but in the State of Indiana (sponsored by JETRO),” said Mari McHenry, director of international community services. “Many people do not realize that there are over 100 companies in the state of Indiana alone that are owned by Japanese companies. We hope this opportunity will give students exposure to the idea of working for international companies in the future, and are pleased to know that the recruiters who participated in the event have met exceptional candidates.”
One company commented, “It was amazing. These were the best students of my career.” Another noted they enjoyed the format and said, “Campus is beautiful. We learned so much about Trine.”
“We at JETRO Chicago are honored to have partnered with Trine University to organize our first such program in the state of Indiana,” said Ralph Inforzato, JETRO CEO. “Trine's prowess from engineering and business faculty with deep industry experience, and its precious students form a strong foundation for the economic well-being of Northeast Indiana and the Tri-State region. JETRO Chicago and all Japanese companies are welcome at Trine University: It's a powerful message we very much respect from President Brooks, Dean Ryan Overton, Dean Cat Benson, Jason Blume, executive director, Trine Innovation 1, and Mari McHenry, director of international community services.”
“We are always excited to connect the university and its students with new companies for potential partnerships, internships and employment opportunities,” said Blume. “We look forward to additional opportunities to work with JETRO Chicago to benefit its members, the university, and our region.”
The university plans to hold the Japanese Company Career Fair annually.
Japanese Company Career Fair - Timothy Anderson, left, of II Stanley, talks with a Trine University student at the Japanese Company Career Fair on Feb. 26.
JETRO - From left, Ralph Inforzato, CEO of JETRO Chicago; Jason Blume, executive director of Trine innovation 1; Mari McHenry, director of international community services; and Tsubasa Hashimoto, director of public relations, JETRO Chicago.
Tour - Jason Blume, right, executive director of Trine innovation 1, leads a campus tour for visiting professionals. Pictured at left is Javier Leza from Enkei America Inc., and at center is Dr. Yoya Fukuda from Kimura Foundry America Inc.
Two Trine University students — Chloe Laird, a chemical engineering major from Warsaw, Indiana, and Makenzie Amich, a forensic science major from Thorntown, Indiana — recently had the opportunity to connect with thousands of chemistry professionals and students from across the country at the American Chemical Society (ACS) national meeting in Chicago.
The Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society recently named Trine University pre-med biology student Lauren Hillin of Charlotte, North Carolina, its Foy-Sagabiel Undergraduate Scholar Leader of the Year.
Steuben County community members are invited to join Trine University students and alumni and local businesses for Breaking the Silence Together, the university's inaugural mental health walk, beginning at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26.