October 15, 2025
The Trine University Career Center hosted its largest career fair on record on Sept. 25.
The Tailgate for Talent Career Fair set an overall attendance record of over 700 students attending and over 140 registered employers recruiting.
The annual event welcomes employers and job-seeking students to the center of campus along Trine University’s Thunder Drive.
Connecting students to industry
Jason Blume, assistant vice president for Trine innovation 1, said hosting the Tailgate for Talent Career Fair is one of many impactful events and programming opportunities Trine’s Career Center offers that are tailored to students and their academic schools.
“The Tailgate for Talent is a valuable opportunity for students to connect with top employers offering full-time positions and internships,” he said. “Students can start building a professional network, explore a variety of industries and demonstrate their professional skills.”
Holt McNeer, a Trine alumni and manufacturing engineer at Kautex, found it rewarding to return to his alma mater in an employer capacity to engage with future engineering talent.
“I found the students demonstrated impressive preparation, professionalism, and genuine curiosity about industry. It’s clear that Trine continues to foster a strong foundation in engineering education,” McNeer said. “The caliber of students, their curiosity, and professionalism reaffirmed the strength of Trine’s programs and a bright future in the engineering field.”
“We always enjoy connecting with Trine students,” said Danielle Landis, a talent acquisition specialist at Abbott. “Their professionalism and drive to achieve their goals continually impress us, and we’re proud to share how our company can support their journey.”
"I absolutely loved attending the fair,” said senior Emma Rode, a business administration major from Remington, Indiana. “This year we had so many companies looking for business majors in need of internships or jobs, and the networking opportunities were amazing. I managed to make a lot of new connections I never could have made otherwise, and it was a fun experience!"
"It’s always a pleasure engaging with the students at Trine University,” said Stephanie Kopf. “They are eager to learn about our company (Subaru of Indiana Automotive) and explore career pathways. The growing number of companies participating in the tailgate event each year is a clear reflection of the strong interest in talent, and the value Trine students bring to the table."
The Tailgate for Talent is part of Trine University’s overall strategy to provide career connections for graduates in addition to equipping them with the skills to success. More than 99% of Trine graduates over the past 12 years have been employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months of completing their degree.
Ellen Paxton has joined Trine University as assistant vice president of advancement, bringing more than 25 years of experience in fundraising and institutional promotion to the position.
Laurie Stockton-Moreno, director of The Center for Montessori Education at Trine University (CMETU), was part of a team that introduced area eighth- and ninth-grade students to Montessori education during a recent event.
For the third year, Trine University sport management students are partnering with the NBA’s Detroit Pistons to learn the ticket sales process and sharpen their sales skills.