Trine University set records over this past school year for the numbers of employers
and students attending career events, even while implementing precautions to maintain
campus health and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Trine welcomed 238 employers to virtual and on-campus career fairs during 2020-21,
an increase of 25 percent from the previous year’s total of 190 and more than four
times the number who attended fairs (59) in 2014-15. That total includes 43 new employers
who chose to recruit at Trine’s events this past year.
In addition, 766 Trine students attended career fairs, a 16.5 percent increase over
the 2019-20 total of 657.
During the fall semester, the university provided a unique opportunity for students
and employers to connect by offering the Tailgate for Talent career fair. Aided by
beautiful fall weather, the event was held outside to provide social distancing and
allowed employers to bring trailers, products and other props to promote their business
as they met with Trine students.
“Our Career Center staff did an incredible job of devising innovative solutions to
the challenges created by the pandemic,” said Jason Blume, executive director of Trine
innovation 1. “The continued growth in the number of companies also reflects the high
demand for Trine University graduates, who are equipped with practical skills and
a knowledge base that allows them to immediately make a positive impact in the workplace.”
Trine University’s career fairs are part of a multitude of services provided to help
students gain practical experience through internships and co-ops as well as help
graduates begin successful careers. More than 99 percent of Trine graduates over the
past seven years have been employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months
of completing their degree.
Photo: Grace Sullivan, a Trine University chemical engineering major, left, talks with Justin
Hoeppner, a 2003 Trine alumnus representing Shambaugh and Son, at the Tailgating for
Talent event on Sept. 24, 2020. Held in the MTI Center parking lot, the event provided
an opportunity for students to connect with employers in a safe, socially distanced
environment. Trine saw continued growth in the numbers of employers and students participating
in its career fairs this year, even while implementing precautions to maintain campus
health and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. (File photo by Dean Orewiler)
Last Updated: 04/28/2021
