40 Firms Visit BVU Career and Internship Fair
Alumni panel convenes to share success stories with BVU students
More than 40 local, regional, and state organizations flocked to Buena Vista University on Sept. 28 for the annual Career and Internship Fair. Students honed professional and networking skills while learning about volunteer opportunities, internships, and full- and or part-time employment.
“I found the Career and Internship Fair to be a highly engaging and rewarding experience, primarily due to the great turnout of companies and organizations that exhibited a genuine interest in our potential,” said Jorge Pinon, a BVU junior majoring in business and criminal justice. “It was heartening to witness the proactive involvement of our students as they explored opportunities that could shape their careers.”
“I was very impressed with the preparation students had made and the professionalism they demonstrated in representing themselves and BVU.”
Ben Arentson, POET Bioprocessing-Hanlontown GM
POET Bioprocessing-Hanlontown General Manager Ben Arentson, a 2008 BVU graduate, was among the business leaders making connections with students during the fair. “It was great seeing dozens of students stop by our booth to learn more about our company and the industry as a whole,” Arentson said. “I was very impressed with the preparation students had made and the professionalism they demonstrated in representing themselves and BVU. As POET grows, we will continue to seek out BVU students from several majors for our internship programs as well as graduates for full-time positions. As an alumnus, it’s really gratifying to see fellow BVU graduates succeed with us.”
In addition to the fair, BVU’s Career and Personal Development office partnered with the Office of Alumni Engagement and the BVU Alumni Association Board of Directors in hosting an alumni panel discussion focused on upper-level students. Board members Arentson, Shelby Bleeker ’12, Alyssa (Kragelund) Petersen ’18, Kevin Willey ’99, and Sam Wooden ’07 shared experiences and professional lessons with students. The day’s events concluded with additional networking opportunities offered through a Student and Alumni Social.
"We are grateful for the BVU alumni and business leaders who took the time to visit campus while connecting with our students,” said Mandi Mollring, Assistant Dean of Student Success and Campus Engagement. “It is so rewarding to see students as they take that next step in building their career. So many times, it is a direct BVU connection that either starts or helps them continue on a pathway to success.”