UD has always tried to help students and alumni find employment in Delaware and around the globe, with this scene from a 2019 career fair as an example. The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has necessitated stay-at-home rules and social distancing, so UD’s Career Center has shifted to virtual career fairs.

Virtual recruiting fair

Article by Jessica Smith Photos by Ivan Avila April 30, 2020

UD Career Center hosting a week-long virtual job fair with more than 80 employers

Since coronavirus (COVID-19) has brought much of the world and its economy to a grinding halt, students are now seeking professional opportunities in an uncertain job market. A recent Handshake report found that 77% of students surveyed responded that getting a good job quickly is one of their top three concerns after family and health.

To help alleviate some of those concerns, the University of Delaware Career Center is hosting Virtual Recruiting Week from Monday, May 4 to Friday, May 8. The five-day event allows students to search active job postings in Handshake and submit their resume 24/7 to any and all desired positions. New opportunities are continuously added throughout the week.

“Typically, this is the time of year when many students have already secured their internship or full-time job offer and are getting ready to start their new experiences; COVID-19 has significantly changed this traditional recruitment and hiring cycle,” said R. Lynn Sydnor-Epps, senior associate director of employer and alumni engagement at the UD Career Center. “We know that our students are looking for opportunities and our goal for Virtual Recruiting Week is to connect them with employers that are looking to hire.”

Sydnor-Epps advised students to prepare by attending Career Center drop-in hours or scheduling an appointment with a career counselor to update their resume. Despite the impersonal nature of the virtual format, she said this recruiting week presents a significant advantage over routine career events.

“This event varies from a traditional in-person career fair because it’s available in a format that provides students the opportunity to opt-in and apply for positions throughout the week instead of a one-day event,” she said. “Students can submit their information at a time that is convenient for their schedule.”

With more than 80 participating employers, there are plenty of full-time, part-time and internship opportunities across all interests and industries. Bloomberg recruiter Jordan Allison hopes this event will present her with the perfect candidate for a market data analyst position in Princeton, New Jersey.

“Virtual recruiting very quickly went from being the future to being the present,” Allison said. “While we miss going to campus, we’re using this opportunity to get creative and expand our reach. Now more than ever, companies need talented staff and students need jobs. We are still hiring at full speed and conducting all interviews and new hire onboarding virtually.”

The five-day UD Career Center job fair allows students to search active job postings in Handshake and submit their resume 24/7 to any and all desired positions. New opportunities are continuously added throughout the week.

Jim Nacchia, Jr., the director of operations at Homewatch Caregivers of Delaware and the Brandywine Valley, said he wishes he could engage with students in person, but is grateful for the virtual platform given the circumstance.

“The virus has affected our recruitment tremendously. Since schools have suspended the physical learning atmosphere, hiring has come to a standstill and cut down on applicants in office and online,” he said. “UD is the only school that has offered me the opportunity of virtual recruitment. As an extremely social individual, it can’t replace career meetups for me. But to be able to continue any type of recruitment is extraordinary.”

Career Center Director Nathan Elton urged students to attend and take advantage of all virtual career resources during this unprecedented time.

“Over the past six weeks, the UD Career Center has expanded virtual services and programs to help Blue Hens pursue work and further education, and we will continue to evolve over the coming weeks and months to have the greatest positive impact on the success of our students,” Elton said. “It is a time of change and uncertainty, but one that still offers opportunities to find purpose, gain experience and build skills. We are here to help you pivot, explore your options and pursue an immediate, summer or postgraduate path that is best for your unique circumstances, abilities and interests.”

Students can attend Virtual Recruiting Week starting on Monday, May 4 in Handshake.