Getting Down to Business: How Leeds’ Career Events Can Turn Handshakes into Hires
The Leeds Career Development Office hosted three days of its signature fall programming, highlighted by the All Industries Career Fair—a lively event at Boulder's new Limelight Hotel. Students gave the event a resoundingly positive review, and now they’re keeping up the momentum as they pursue new connections, internships and career opportunities.
More than 900 undergraduate and graduate students convened at the Limelight to kick off the fall semester by exploring internship and career opportunities, from steppingstones to leadership tracks and permanent positions. A total of 79 businesses participated in the All Industries Career Fair on Sept. 17, creating a lively atmosphere filled with connection, curiosity and conversation.
Dressed in business attire and armed with polished resumes, students arrived ready to make strong first impressions. Their professional demeanor set the tone for meaningful conversations with recruiters, many of whom noted the students’ preparedness and enthusiasm.
“The Career Fair gives students the chance to explore opportunities and connect with employers across industries in a supportive, structured environment.”
Angie Vermillion, associate director of Employer Relations
Clusters of students gathered around tables hosted by companies such as such as Cain Travel, Crowe, Enterprise Mobility, memoryBlue, CBRE, Danone, Sprouts,Artist Capital, Comcast and Sage Hospitality—just a sampling of the diverse organizations represented. Nonprofit organizations, including the Peace Corps and Teach for America, also had a presence. The fair showcased businesses across all industries represented by Leeds’ 10 academic areas of emphasis.
Company posters enticed students with remote work, employee perks and leadership possibilities, such as Parallon and HCA Healthcare’s note that 85% of their former associates are currently in leadership positions. Inspirational slogans added to the visual flair:
- “Our Brands. Your Future.”—Gallo
- “Work Where You Belong”—Sage Hospitality
- “Let’s Build Something Big”—ibotta
- “Grow with Us”—Tallgrass Energy
From table talks to career moves
“I definitely think the career fair was a good use of my time,” said Lucas Fernandes (Fin, Acct’27), who spoke with representatives from Comcast, among other businesses. “Not only did I find out about internship opportunities that I previously wouldn’t have known about, but I was able to get a few contacts that I can use to leverage my network and opportunities.”
Students surveyed gave the event a resoundingly positive review, describing it as 'awesome,' 'well done' and 'very helpful'—especially appreciating the opportunity to connect with companies.
“The Career Fair gives students the chance to explore opportunities and connect with employers across industries in a supportive, structured environment,” said Angie Vermillion, associate director of Employer Relations at Leeds.
Kristin Day, an HR specialist with Tallgrass Energy, attended her first Leeds event and was impressed by the students’ professionalism and confidence. "We met many great candidates. They were all wonderful to talk with and very engaged in the conversations," she said. “I was impressed with the way students presented themselves. It made them stand out as a whole,” she added.
“Not only did I find out about internship opportunities that I previously wouldn’t have known about, but I was able to get a few contacts that I can use to leverage my network and opportunities.”
Lucas Fernandes (Fin, Acct’27)
To help students prepare, Leeds hosted a Career Workshop the day before the fair, focused on resume building, interview practice and networking skills. Following the fair, an “Instant Interviews” event offered more than 100 students a chance to engage directly with top professionals at 10 companies—often bypassing the formal application stage, Vermillion said.
“Together, these experiences not only boost students’ confidence in their professional readiness, but they also help them form authentic, lasting connections with employers and alumni—connections that can lead to internships, jobs and long-term career success,” she added.
Keeping up the momentum (and staying motivated)
Vermillion encourages students to follow up with employers they met at the fair—whether through a thank-you note, LinkedIn connection or application—to keep those new relationships active. Meeting with a career coach is another valuable next step to refine resumes, practice interviewing, or discuss tailored strategies for the opportunities they are pursuing.
“Students can also strengthen their confidence and skills by joining student organizations, participating in case competitions, or attending upcoming Leeds programs like career treks to meet directly with companies at their offices,” Vermillion said.
“Continuing to engage with Career Development ensures that students not only maintain momentum but also grow their professional network and readiness for future recruiting cycles,” she added.
One employer commented, “The quality of students was top-notch. There were lots of good introductions and great questions.” That sentiment was widely shared, underscoring the strong impression Leeds students made throughout the fair.
Making Career Events Work: Five Reasons to Show Up and Stand Out
Leeds Associate Director of Employer Relations Angie Vermillion outlined key career event benefits for students.
- Increased confidence: Feel prepared to introduce yourself professionally, talk about your skills and navigate conversations with employers.
- Practical experience: Gain first-hand practice with resume reviews, mock interviews and networking in real recruiting settings.
- Meaningful connections: Build new relationships with employers, alumni and industry professionals that can lead to internships, full-time roles or ongoing mentorship.
- Career insights: Acquire a clearer understanding of industries, company cultures and career pathways that align with your goals.
- Opportunities for next steps: Secure an interview, receive a job or internship offer, or get invited to apply—moving you closer to your goals and dream careers.
Be sure to stay connected to the Career Development Office to talk with advisors and keep track of career events >>