October 6, 2025
Copy by Enkela Hasa
Photos by Avery Hrabal
Conversations echoed through the Arkansas Union Ballroom as students from every major moved swiftly through rows of employer tables. Many clutched freshly printed resumes and wore their business casual attire, an early step into the “real world.” Stickers across their shirts highlighted their goals: seeking internships, pursuing full-time jobs, or simply exploring future options.
The All-Majors Career and Internship Fair brought together about 70 recruiters and a mix of undergraduate and graduate students, each with a distinct set of ambitions.
Nicholas Rudjas, a junior majoring in mathematics and philosophy, saw the fair as a chance to explore beyond his program of study and get an outlook on the wider job market. He said he felt confident in his skills and has a clear vision of the kind of work environment he hopes to join.
“I might go a little philosophical with this but based on the statistics of rising dissatisfaction in the workplace, many others and I are looking for opportunities to work for a company where we produce something of value and are not just seen as just a number,” Rudjas said.
Furthermore, he said he believed the ability to connect and communicate is just as important as the degree and skills students gain in college.
“For a lot of these corporations, you don’t work by yourself tucked away in a corner,” Rudjas said. “You’re working on a team, and that skill set becomes truly valuable when you know how to apply it in a collaborative environment.”
For Rose Sicka, a senior majoring in international and global studies and with a minor in Spanish, this career fair was a stop after a busy day of classes, but one she was eager to make. Sicka was very passionate about her field and hopes to pair it with her love for travel.
“I think a job that has a flexible schedule would be ideal,” Sicka said. “I want to be able to travel when I start my career, so a company that lets me move around would be ideal. Flexibility is important, and I like having good managers to work for, too.”
Sicka said she also valued working for a company whose leaders are understanding and open to conversation, treating employees as valuable assets. She believed that a healthy work environment made it easier to love your work and remain productive.
For students attending the fair, Sicka advised coming prepared and willing to step out of their comfort zone.
“Making eye contact when you talk to possible employers, I think that’s important,” she said. “Maybe bring a cover letter if you’re applying for a specific job and want to show it to them but mostly just your résumé and a professional attitude.”
Similarly, Kyonna Jackson, a junior majoring in animal science, offered her own perspective on making the most of the fair, even for students who may not yet be certain about what they’re looking for. With no prior internships, Jackson said she hoped this year to turn her hard-earned skills in the field into a hands-on, immersive experience.
She said she looked forward to collaborating with others, emphasizing that the fair itself reflects the importance of building connections and being present.
Jackson said she was excited about the many directions her career could take and hoped other students approach the fair with the same curiosity and eagerness.
“My advice is: don’t be scared but talk,” she said. “Talk to everybody. They’re just people, just like you. Never give up. Stay firm and stay confident, no matter what. You’ve got this. We all do.”
