The Power of Connection: Wentworth's Co-op & Career Fair

155 employers. 819 students. Countless critical career connections.  

Wentworth Institute of Technology’s Co-op & Career Fair in March was the latest in a series of successful bi-annual fairs connecting interested employers and eager students looking for co-op opportunities and full-time positions. 

But this event goes beyond a simple meet-and-greet. It's a vital part of the Wentworth co-op journey, a journey that has defined the institution for 50 years. 

The fair facilitates valuable networking and career development, showcasing a wide array of industries and connecting talented Wentworth students with leading companies. It underscores the university’s commitment to providing students with the tools and opportunities they need to thrive in their chosen fields. 

"The career fair was a great opportunity. Honestly, being able to meet face to face with a bunch of companies rather than just applying to something online was really important," said Olivia McManus, a 2023 Mechanical Engineering graduate who completed two co-ops with Bala Consulting Engineers and now works for them full time. 

As current Architecture student Tyreese Sennett noted, the fair helps students "take away that shyness and... get over there and introduce yourself to employers that you may get to work for in the future." 

Employers consistently seek out Wentworth students because of their strong technical skills and hands-on experience. Brianna Sullivan, a 2019 Civil Engineering alumna and senior project designer at Tata & Howard, attended the fair as an employer, knowing the caliber of student in the room. 

"We want someone who really has specific skills and knows complicated programs to work with us,” she said. “With the technical skills I learned at Wentworth, I was able to really develop and have a better understanding of items that overlapped on my co-op.” 

The co-op experience is not just about gaining work experience; it's also about career exploration and self-discovery. Eliza Carter, a sophomore Interior Design student, offered advice to fellow students. 

"Don’t be afraid to go out there and broaden your horizons,” she said, noting that the Career Fair provides the perfect platform for students to explore different career paths and find their niche. “You really understand more of what they’re looking for and expectations of you.”