As a career-focused school whose main mission is to align education, commerce, and community, Goodwin College hosts a number of events throughout the year designed to present opportunities for its students and alumni. Forty employers from throughout the state of Connecticut were in attendance at Goodwin College’s latest career fair on May 27.

Patricia Cicchetti, Director of Goodwin’s Career Services, describes the significance of networking with professionals. “Networking allows our students and alumni the opportunity to build relationships with potential employers and jump-start their professional development.”

Goodwin nursing student Tarah Lord believes in the importance of meeting employees in person. “With everything so technology based, it is so beneficial to get that face-to-face interaction,.” she said. “Employers can see how eager, dedicated, and teachable I am.”

Matt Paradis and Kaelee Roberge from Hartford’s Community Renewal Team (CRT) attended the fair in search of great candidates — specifically teachers — for their program. CRT helps individuals, families, and communities address the challenges they face in building successful futures. “We’re looking for technically trained teachers who will thrive in an energetic environment with children,” Roberge noted.

Brandi Wirz from Natural Learning Community Children’s School in Simsbury hoped to find qualified, inspirational teachers whose values align with their eco-conscious, progressive, Reggio-Emilia-inspired environment. She believes that if children are raised with awareness of the earth, “they will form a foundation of character, compassion, and respect.”

Carol Ann Mancini from Beacon Communities LLC, a residential management company, was looking for graduates who can handle multiple responsibilities. “We noticed that Goodwin has what we’re looking for in a potential candidate,” Mancini stated.

Justina Goodling from the Arc of Farmington Valley came to the fair in search of flexible, creative, team-oriented professionals. The Arc helps more than 300 children, young adults, adults, seniors, and families through encouraging and supportive programs. “Those with a background in health care would be a great fit, since they know how to provide care,” Goodling commented.

Mark Skripol of Pratt & Whitney came to Goodwin’s career fair in search of self-starters. “Building and maintaining a relationship with Goodwin College is really important, especially since we are in such close proximity,” Skripol said.

Kimberly Coombs from Westminster Tool, a manufacturing company that prides itself on consistent delivery of custom, high-quality, precision injection mold systems, was on the lookout for candidates passionate about learning. “We provide in-house training for continuous improvement,” Coombs commented. “We’re changing the face of manufacturing.”

Mary Graveline from OptiCare was hoping to find enthusiastic employees who want to grow within the company and are looking for a career, not simply a job. “Goodwin students are exposed to and utilize a state-of-the-art optical fabrication laboratory, which is a huge advantage.”

Alex Stagnaro, a Goodwin Criminal Justice student, was able to meet and share ideas with people in the field. “It’s a great way to get your foot in the door. The employers have so much experience and can guide you.”

At the end of the day, Cicchetti seemed satisfied that the fair had been a success. “A number of our graduates and students shared resumes, interviewed, and walked away with future contacts and opportunities,” she stated.

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