Record-Breaking Student Attendance at Fall 2026 Career Fair

Attendees and recruiters engage in discussions at a lively job fair, showcasing various career opportunities.
At the Fall 2026 Career Fair, Fairfield University students explored career opportunities across a wide range of industries while connecting directly with employees and alumni.
By Mia Auray

The Fall 2026 Career Fair saw a record-breaking 1,124 students check in, eager to connect with representatives of 93 registered organizations, including 40 alumni.

Prospective employers praised Fairfield students for being professional, prepared, and engaged throughout the event. Students took advantage of available resources before and during the fair, including LinkedIn headshots, résumé printing, the Career Closet, Career Peer Advisors, and Ask an Advisor tables.

A group of people gathered around a table, attentively listening to a man speaking to them.

The Career Fair provides an opportunity for students to ask questions and learn about industries they hadn’t previously considered—or, hone in on career paths they’ve already been pursuing.

For alumni, returning to campus offered the chance to share their experiences with the next generations of Stags and, in some cases, return to the event where their own careers began.

Ashley O’Connor ‘25, was an honors student with a double-major in business analytics and finance and minors in applied statistics and mathematics. She now works at the Ascot Group as an underwriter in Management Liability.

“This is my first year post-grad,” said O’Connor. “I’m full-time now, and I got my job from the Career Fair.” The connection she made with a representative from the Ascot Group led first to an internship and, later, a full-time position. “It’s really full-circle to be back and at the other end of the table,” she said.

For Edwin Colon ‘27, who is studying economics and environmental studies with a minor in business law and ethics, the Career Fair served as an opportunity to explore new possibilities.

“It was nice to learn about the different industries that I could pursue following graduation,” he said. “I appreciated talking to all the different companies and getting to learn from the recruiters as well.”

Colon, who is also a student worker and supervisor for Fairfield’s on-campus Conference and Event Management team, said several conversations led to connections with professionals on LinkedIn; he hopes that these connections will lead to future opportunities.

Representatives from a variety of industries attended the fair, including ASML, Bank of America, CVS Health, Henkel, and Vineyard Vines. Employer feedback was equally positive, with one recruiter describing the fair as “above and beyond other fairs we’ve been to.”

Recruiter feedback echoed the value of the experience, with employers praising Fairfield students for their professionalism, preparation, and engagement. Through counseling, peer guidance, networking events, and other career-oriented resources offered across Fairfield’s career centers, students are equipped to explore career paths and stand out to prospective employers.

Learn more about Fairfield’s Career Center.

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