Plenty of Beneficial Events for Students Highlight a Busy Semester

Throughout the spring semester, there are plenty of opportunities for students to engage in events thanks to the outstanding offerings provided by CSU's Career Development and Exploration. These four marquee events can put students in the driver's seat and put them in the best possible position to succeed upon commencement from CSU.

TECH DAY — FEBRUARY 20

Taking place on the 3rd floor in the Student Center from 8:30–11 a.m. and 3–5:30 p.m. with a breakfast/breakout session in the morning and then a breakout session/networking happy hour with employers in the afternoon, TECH Day enables students across all majors to attend as the field continues to grow. A recent story by Susan Graser of Cleveland.com noted that Cleveland tops Pittsburgh and Columbus for several jobs in tech, with approximately 13,000 jobs projected open.

"We need to elevate CSU as the place to hire tech talent and Cleveland as a top destination for tech jobs – in the public sector (public interest technology), private sector, start-ups, and more," said Director for Career Development and Exploration Brittany Wampler. "As CSU is a part of the network of employers and education institutions around Public Interest Technology (PIT-UN), faculty and Career Development have been awarded grants to move the needle forward on tech for the public good. TECH Day will highlight opportunities locally and nationally that will resonate with our students, getting a job and working toward a mission to improve the lives of others through our work."

GRADUATE HEALTH PROFESSIONS FAIR — FEBRUARY 29

Taking place on leap day, February 29, the Graduate Health Professions Fair will be held in the CSU Student Center Ballroom and is an exceptional opportunity for anyone interested in becoming a health professional and learning more about the field. Representatives from medical, dental, optometry, pharmacy, veterinary, PA, PT, OT, and even CSU's graduate programs in the College of Health will be on hand to answer questions.

"As the last day in a caravan of Graduate Health Professions Fairs in Ohio and Indiana, Cleveland State will host the region's first-ever graduate health professions fair with 65 tables of health professions graduate programs and participation from CSU, Case Western, John Carroll, Oberlin, Walsh, and The University of Akron," said Wampler. For students interested in these competitive fields, it offers the opportunity to talk to admissions professionals about the schools and programs, get advice, and learn more. It will be a one-of-a-kind opportunity that we've never had before, not to mention a fantastic opportunity to learn and grow as a pre-professional student!"

UNIVERSITY-WIDE CAREER FAIR — MARCH 6

One of the marquee events of the entire year, the University-wide Career Fair, sponsored by Avient, takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Student Center on all three floors. The event introduces students of all years and employers across all industries. It features 125 tables spanning the entire Student Center with opportunities for students to meet employers, land interviews (and maybe internships and jobs!), and enter to win big prizes, including iPads, gift cards, Cavaliers and Guardians tickets, and for one lucky undergraduate student, complete Fall 2025 in-state tuition paid for.

"At CSU, we are here to show students that there is a place for you in the professional world. For first-year students, it is an introduction to networking and managing a career fair. For upper-level students, this might be where they meet their future employer," said Wampler. "We know the Career Fair can land that first job after graduation or first internship that will make their resume more competitive for the future. ALL students must plan to attend, first-year through senior and graduate students; CSU Alumni are also welcome!" 

DRESS FOR SUCCESS/BOUTIQUE ON WHEELS — APRIL 16 and 17

The Dress for Success/Boutique on Wheels will take place in the Career Development offices on the second floor of Rhodes West and takes place over two days, with Graduate and Law students having their chance on April 16 and all students the next day. Fast Passes, which allow students to pick a time to come in and skip the walk-in line, can be claimed in the Career Development offices on Monday, April 15, before the event. Walk-ins are also welcome on their respective dates.

"Every student should prioritize this at some point in their college career!" said Wampler. "Professional dress can be a barrier and is expensive! We do this each semester (Spring 2024 will be our fifth!), and if a student goes each semester of their college career, they can get eight free outfits throughout their college experience. We partner with Dress for Success Cleveland and Passages Cleveland, and if anyone is interested in donating, please reach out to those organizations, and they will gladly accept professional attire from you for the event!"