Co-op Career Fair connects engineering and computing students with more than 200 employers

The University of Akron News

03/10/2026

The College of Engineering and Polymer Science at The University of Akron hosted its spring 2026 Engineering, Engineering Technology and Computing Co-op Career Fair on Feb. 10 at the Jean Hower Taber Student Union, connecting hundreds of students with employers seeking talent for co-op, internship and full-time positions.

Organized by the college’s Co-op and Placement Program, the biannual event gives students the opportunity to network with employers, explore career pathways and learn about available opportunities across a wide range of industries.

Students representing majors across the college met with employers from sectors including manufacturing, construction, energy, consulting, technology and healthcare. Many company representatives were also University of Akron alumni, giving students the opportunity to connect with professionals who once stood in their shoes.

Career Fair by the numbers

This spring’s Co-op Career Fair featured:

219 companies
550 company representatives
206 alumni representatives
824 student attendees
6 companies attending for the first time

The strong turnout reflects the continued demand for Akron engineering, engineering technology and computing students, as well as the college’s long-standing partnerships with employers across the region and beyond.

Students reflect on the Career Fair

Students shared that the opportunity to connect with employers face-to-face was one of the most valuable aspects of the Career Fair.

“I liked how well organized it was. The greatest benefit was getting my resume out in person.” — Will Dunphy

“I liked being able to talk to potential employers. The greatest benefit was learning more about the jobs that are available to me.” — Lukas Riechers

“There were tons of options, and the employers were very friendly and answered all my questions. I also liked how easy it was to see which majors companies were looking for.” — Braeden Bines

“I enjoyed meeting UA alumni at numerous companies.” — Joseph Loepp

“It was cool to see so many potential career paths in one place. The greatest benefit was practicing my networking skills.” — Joseph Kist

“I feel like I made some very useful connections at the Career Fair that could help me gain an internship or co-op position.” — Ben Thompson

Industry partners weigh in

Employers also praised the event for the preparation and professionalism of Akron students.

“We liked the variety of programs the students represented. We met some strong leads and talked with prospective students about what they look for in a future employer.” — Robyn Tate

“The entire event was planned and executed beautifully. The students attending the fair were professional and asked meaningful questions. This was my first time attending, and I will definitely return.” — Emma Norris

“This was our first time attending as an employer, and we were happy to talk with students from Akron. The students who approached us were polite, interested in the work we’re looking for and passionate about engineering.” — Zachary Steiner

“The organization and size of this fair offer real benefits, especially since it focuses on engineering disciplines. We were able to speak with a range of students in specific focus areas.” — Bill DeCarlo

“We had five University of Akron alumni return to their alma mater to share their experiences. Akron prepares its students well to interview, interact and learn about what they want to do.” — Rhoda Longo

“We were able to engage with local students to build our talent and recruiting pipeline. Meeting candidates in person helps us identify top candidates more quickly.” — Mark Archual

“As a University of Akron alumnus, I enjoy coming back to campus and meeting the next generation of students who are passionate about their future careers.” — Jasen Smolk

Building careers through co-op

The Co-op and Placement Program is a cornerstone of the College of Engineering and Polymer Science, providing students with paid, hands-on industry experience while completing their degrees. Through alternating semesters of classroom learning and professional work experience, students graduate with valuable industry experience and a competitive advantage in the job market.

Events like the Co-op Career Fair help strengthen connections between the college and industry partners while preparing students to launch successful careers in engineering, engineering technology and computing.