In an era when platforms like LinkedIn allow candidates to apply to dozens of jobs in a single day, face-to-face conversations still play a decisive role in how Fairfield University students launch their careers. At annual fall and spring semester Career Fairs, alumni from across industries return to campus to strengthen the Stag network—one conversation at a time.
During the recent Spring 2026 Career Fair, students did more than just submit résumés; they discovered career paths they didn’t know existed, refined their goals, and built relationships that could lead to internships and full-time roles.
Evolving Alongside the Modern Workforce
While Career Fairs remain a longstanding tradition, the employers who participate continue to evolve alongside the modern workforce. This year’s fall and spring fairs saw increased representation from emerging and specialized fields, as well as graduate and rotational programs designed to help students explore different career tracks early in their professional lives.
Participating organizations included Microboard Processing, Inc. (Microboard)—a Connecticut-based, woman-owned, EMS (Electronics Manufacturing Services) provider, and Bard, Rao + Athanas Consulting Engineers—a global engineering firm.
For students, the Career Fair experience is often defined by moments of recognition—seeing how their Fairfield education connects directly to real-world opportunities. For recruiters and alumni representatives, the events offer a way to reconnect with campus while identifying promising job candidates whose skills and values align with their organizations.
A Full-Circle Moment
Autumn Goldy ’24 MBA '25, now part of Vineyard Vines’ rotational program, described returning to campus on the employer side as a “full-circle moment”—one that allows her to share insight and encouragement with students exploring careers in retail, marketing, and brand management.
Similar stories were shared by alumni representing major organizations at the fair. Nicholas DiStefano ’24, MS’25, now a tax staff member at EY, first connected with the firm as a sophomore accounting and finance major attending one of Fairfield’s Career Fairs. He later secured an internship that led to a full-time offer, followed by the completion of a master’s degree from the Charles F. Dolan School of Business. Back on campus as a recruiter, DiStefano shared the same advice that once guided him: “Work hard, maintain strong grades, present yourself professionally, and attend as many networking opportunities as possible.”
