Fairfield University hosted two successful events on Wednesday, Sept. 27, each of which connected students to alumni in the corporate world: the inaugural Corporate Breakfast and Panel Discussion, and the 2023 Fall Career & Internship Fair.  

Around 145 students, alumni, and corporate partners were in attendance at the breakfast, featuring a panel discussion with Katherine Bazinet ’83, principal, Data, AI and Automation, US National Market, IBM Technology; Nick Benaquista ’05, senior vice president, people and capability partner, Chief Administrative Office and Chief Risk Office, Mastercard; and Susan Davis-Gillis MBA'03, senior vice president, Customer Solutions, Synchrony Financial. The panel was moderated by College of Arts and Sciences Dean Richard Greenwald, PhD, and Mehmet Cansoy, PhD, assistant professor of sociology and anthropology.

During the discussion, panelists shared insights on post-Covid workforce trends and challenges, while providing  students with helpful tips on navigating the interview process, keeping their drive and intellectual curiosity, and how to successfully grow, perform, and stand out in hybrid office culture. In addition to the panel discussion, alumni and corporate guests were paired with students at small tables to network. The event provided a unique platform for students to interact with key alumni and professionals working in their field of interest or major. 

“The panelists offered fantastic advice and I was able to connect with many business professionals and alumni. I appreciate them taking the time to speak with us. I’m looking forward to participating in more events in the future,” said Gianna Greco ’26, a marketing and finance student. 

This event was created in partnership with the Fairfield Awards Dinner to provide participants with cutting-edge information, while offering companies and Awards Dinner partners the opportunity to engage with potential talent  and establish valuable connections. The Fairfield Awards Dinner is the University’s primary fundraiser for scholarships, held annually in April.

"Fairfield has always fostered an exceptional body of students that are prepared for the skillset needed to succeed in real world work environments,” said Joe Solimine Jr. '89, president and CEO at Meridian Risk Management, who attended both the Corporate Breakfast and the Fall Career Fair. “This year's Career Fair was no exception. Team Meridian was duly impressed with each and every student connection we made."

The 2023 Fall Career & Internship Fair has always been one of the first and largest opportunities for students to begin networking early into the semester. More than 1,000 students attended the event in the RecPlex, with approximately 250 representatives from 105 employers. 

“It’s always great getting the opportunity to return to Stag Country,” said Niamh O’Gorman '18, senior manager at BIC. “I can remember just how beneficial the Career Fair was during my time at Fairfield, so being able to share my own experiences, build connections, and provide students with the chance to learn more about the exciting early career opportunities that exist at BIC is such a great ‘full circle’ moment for me.”

Local, national, and international companies were represented, including Atlas Holdings, BIC Corporation, Cooper Surgical, Enterprise Holdings, FBI, Henkel, Jesuit Volunteer Corps, M&T Bank, Point72, Pratt & Whitney, RightClick, Vineyard Vines, as well as top accounting firms such as BDO USA, Ernst & Young, KPMG Global, and PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited. 

Fairfield provides many career opportunities throughout the year for students to explore their interests and network with real-world companies and organizations. In addition to the fall Career Fair, the Law School Fair was held Oct. 4 and the Nursing Career Fair will take place Tuesday, Oct. 24. In the spring, there will be a Career & Internship Fair on Wednesday, Feb. 14, and an Education and Human Development Fair on Tuesday, March 19.

“It was pretty cool how many companies were there from different disciplines,” reflected Aidan Riley, ’26, an accounting and finance major. “It was great to see so many students there too.  The fair is a good starting point to talk with employers and recruiters. I made a connection with a company that I am really interested in.” 

For more information about becoming a Fairfield Awards Dinner or University partner, visit fairfield.edu/awardsdinner or contact Jen Kane at jkane1@fairfield.edu.

For more information about Fairfield University Career Fairs, visit fairfield.edu/careerfair.