By Jasmine Smith, ’26
The George Dean Johnson, Jr. College of Business and Economics (JCBE) recently hosted its 13th annual career fair, providing students with a valuable opportunity to connect with potential employers, secure internships, and network with industry professionals.
Marley Bickley, career counselor at JCBE, helped organize the Feb. 19 event. In her role, Bickley works to prepare students for future careers and helps them find job opportunities within the Upstate region.
Over the years, she says the career fair has evolved, welcoming new companies and expanding the presence of established ones seeking to fill positions.
Bickley emphasized the importance of these events for students.
“Students are learning a lot about what they can apply for. Sometimes they aren’t even aware that certain opportunities exist,” she said. “This is a fantastic time for them to identify and connect with companies they might be interested in.”
Many alumni who previously attended these events as undergraduates are now in positions to help current Upstate students reach their career goals, according to event organizers.
Jerome McFadden ’16, a recruiting specialist at ScanSource, encourages students to remain open-minded and confident when attending career fairs.
This year, 21 companies participated, including BMW, Enterprise, and ScanSource. Katie Geiger ’17, who represented Draexlmaier at the career fair, credits Upstate courses and study abroad programs for preparing her to enter the workforce and secure full-time jobs.
Senior Emma Scott said career fairs are well worth the time to attend.
“Juniors and seniors should always take advantage of these professional development events,” she said.
Junior accounting major Emma Streetman offered words of advice: “I actively research the attending companies to know who will be there but also to keep an open mind for those unexpected opportunities that may come along.”
Beyond networking, the event enhances students’ readiness for the job market by allowing them to engage directly with industry professionals. Overall, the career fair serves as a crucial platform for students to explore diverse career paths, build essential connections, and take meaningful steps toward their future careers.
For more information about career readiness, visit the Career Development webpage.
Photos from the event can be found on our Flickr album.