On Wednesday, September 2, 2026, Eastern Michigan University’s Student Center Ballroom was filled with EMU students gathered with resumes in hand to speak with 50 local businesses offering jobs.
The Student Employment Fair is one of many events the University Advising & Career Development Center puts on during the year to help students find people and a career path that interests them. John Carlson, a Job and Internship Specialist for the UACDC, said the intent is to help students make money while on their path to get a degree.
“It’s a way for students to get started and build confidence,” Carlson said.
This employment fair centers on jobs on campus in the surrounding Ypsilanti community. The job opportunities this year ranged from grocery stores and retail to childcare and automotive technicians.
Deb Gunnell, a hiring representative for Kroger, said she started working at the company at 16 years old. Gunnell’s 49-year run with Kroger shows how one entry-level job as a young person can launch a whole career. Gunnell said in terms of candidates, the company is looking for friendly, smiling people.
“We can’t train them to be happy,” Gunnell said.
One of the businesses searching for students interested in childcare was Jovie Nannies & Sitters. Emily Kenyon has been with the company for six years after being recruited from a daycare. Kenyon said they’re looking for anybody with childcare experience. Kenyon told The Echo job fairs are great because they allow businesses to build good relationships with the university.
“It’s more than just looking for a job, it’s about connecting,” Kenyon said.
For those who are interested in a hands-on job, Bridgestone is looking to hire technicians for four locations around Michigan. Matt Simpson, one of the representatives at the table, said the company was looking to hire people who are dependable, have a good attitude and are ready to learn. Simpson said they spoke with around 100 students during the fair.
“It puts us in front of people we normally wouldn’t be able to reach," Simpson said.
Jessica Tripp has worked for the University of Michigan’s School of Medicine as a recruiter for five years. The school is offering many roles from direct patient care to administrative and IT positions. They are looking for someone prepared, who’s done research on the company and the roles offered, Tripp said.
“I think it’s great for students to get in front of employers,” Tripp said.
For students, the fair offers a chance to get used to talking to businesses in a professional setting and making connections. Secondary education sophomore Deshawn Murray said the fair was great for getting a feel of campus and seeing what opportunities are out there. Murray applied to two of the businesses from the fair and has emailed the College of Education regarding open positions.
The employment fair is also good for students who aren’t yet sure what they want.
Teagan Cole is a freshman who currently has an exploratory major. Cole was looking for jobs in grocery stores and retail spaces. For new students, it may be difficult to know where to start, Cole said, which is why the fair is helpful.
Carlson said this year’s fair was a great success because the companies, the community and the students put in the effort to attend. Carlson estimated around 350 students made an appearance during the event, with many still chatting to recruiters even as the fair was wrapping up.
“Moments like these can change the trajectory of a student’s life,” Carlson said.
The UACDC is there to support everyone’s goals, Carlson said, whether it’s a student, a program or a business. All employment fairs are promoted on Handshake under the events tab. For more information on student employment, career development or advising, visit the University Advising & Career Development Center website.
