Networking for the Future: ASU Career Fair Links Students with Opportunity

The spring semester is well underway, and many students in the School of Community Resources and Development (SCRD) are eagerly anticipating the end of the semester, future internships, and summer jobs. Alongside this excitement, however, comes a fair amount of uncertainty about how to network and find the right opportunities.

To help bridge that gap, ASU faculty members Erin Schneiderman, Claire McWilliams, Rebekka Goodman and ASU Career Services Liaison Korrie Brown organize an annual spring career fair designed to strengthen students’ networking skills while connecting community organizations with emerging talent.

Erin Schneiderman, associate teaching professor, emphasized the value of these in-person interactions. “It’s one thing to send out job, internship, and volunteer opportunities,” she said, “but it’s another for students and employers to meet face-to-face and really get a sense of the quality of our students.”

The Spring 2026 Career Fair is one of several events hosted by faculty in Tourism Development and Management, Hospitality, and Event Management within the school. This year’s event brought together approximately 50 students and a wide range of businesses, nonprofits, and municipal employers.

Students attended with diverse goals but a shared interest in building meaningful connections. Adriana, a soon-to-be graduate majoring in Tourism Development and Management, came in search of an internship that could potentially lead to a full-time position after graduation. Sienna, a criminology major, attended to explore the variety of internship and job opportunities available and gain a better understanding of potential career paths.

With opportunities spanning hospitality, city departments, recreational therapy, and even summer camps, students were able to engage with organizations aligned with their interests.

Employers, in turn, highlighted the qualities they seek in candidates. Alma from Aramark College Hospitality, and also an ASU student employee, shared that they look for “people who are willing, able, and flexible.” Martine from the City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department echoed this sentiment, noting that his team values curiosity and growth. He emphasized the importance of building a workforce of “eager people who want to learn and want to grow.”

Events like the SCRD Spring Career Fair not only connect students with immediate opportunities but also help them develop the confidence and skills needed to navigate their professional futures.

Do you know someone who is interested in a degree in tourism, hospitality and event management?  Check out scrd.asu.edu to learn more about the exciting degrees we offer.