BROOKINGS – Nearly 900 students from the College of Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Sciences had the chance to meet employers, explore career paths and gain professional experience at the CAFES Career Fair last week. The event, on Wednesday and Thursday has expanded to two days in the fall of 2023, to showcase a growing commitment to connecting students with real-world opportunities.
Previously a single-day event held in the Student Union, the fair moved to Club 71 in 2023 at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium to accommodate more attendees and provide a centralized location for all booths. Mary Christensen, CAFES assistant dean for academic programs, said the change helps enhance interactions between students and employers.
“In the Union, some employers were tucked away in corners and saw less student traffic,” Christensen said. “The new location and expanded schedule make the experience more welcoming and productive for everyone.”
This year’s event recorded 876 student check-ins with 123 employers in attendance, with 605 on the first day and 271 on the second. More than 20 employers conducted over 100 individual interviews following the fair. While attendance was slightly lower than 2024’s record of 952 students, organizers were pleased with the overall outcome.
“While attendance fluctuated between the two days, the quality of student-employer interactions remained high,” said Kevin Fullerton, director of Career Development, Student Union & Activities. “We were thrilled to see students taking advantage of the opportunity and are already looking ahead to next year’s improvements.”
Fullerton emphasized that career fairs are valuable even for students who are not actively seeking a job.
“Career fairs are important for any student to attend,” he said. “Even if you’re not looking for a full-time position yet, or if you have one lined up after graduation, it’s a chance to connect with employers in your field and learn about different industries.”
For students like Cooper Olson, a senior in wildlife and fisheries sciences major from St. James, Minnesota, the career fair provides opportunities to build lasting professional relationships.
“This event allows me to network with professionals in my field,” Olson said. “I got good insight into the paths that staff took to arrive in the positions they currently hold. By connecting on a personal level, I stand out on future job applications.”
Taylor Viessman, a junior in animal science with a minor in equine studies from Montevideo, Minnesota, said the fair has become one of her favorite campus traditions.
“I have attended the past two years and will continue going back,” Viessman said. “The atmosphere is buzzing and fun. Once I get talking to people, I find my rhythm and confidence, and everyone is welcoming.”
The fair also helped Viessman explore career directions she hadn’t previously considered.
She was leaning toward management and production, but after talking with Prairie Grain Partners, she learned about a marketing position that might open for the summer. “That really sparked my interest in a different path,” she said.
CAFES encourages students to prepare ahead of time by attending resume blitz sessions, getting free professional headshots and borrowing business attire from the Career Closet. Christensen stressed the importance of researching employers before the fair.
“Taking just a few minutes to learn about companies before the fair can help you make a lasting impression with informed, thoughtful questions,” she said.
Employers have praised SDSU students for their preparedness and helpfulness. Some even noted that SDSU “wins in the helpful students department,” referencing student volunteers who assist with setup. Professional attire continues to make a strong impression, with students in business dress more likely to stand out than those in casual clothing.
Despite minor attendance challenges, students and organizers agreed that the CAFES Career Fair is a vital link between academic programs and professional opportunities.
“It benefits students, but it also helps companies connect with hardworking people who want to make a difference,” Viessman said.
