Oakland University’s 2025 Fall Career Fair drew over 100 employers on Wednesday, Oct. 1, as students and alumni flocked to connect with industry professionals and explore career pathways.
This highly anticipated event served as a valuable launchpad for students and alumni looking for internships, part-time positions and even full-time career opportunities. The fair catered to a wide range of fields, with many opportunities targeted toward students and alumni interested in business, liberal arts, human resources, health sciences and natural sciences.
By providing such a diverse selection of employers, OU ensured that attendees from nearly every major could find relevant opportunities to jumpstart or advance their careers.
Upon arrival, attendees were welcomed at the sign-in station, where OU staff provided all the necessary information to navigate the event. This included detailed maps of the career fair layout, directions to employer booths and guidance on utilizing the various resources provided for students and alumni ready to launch their careers.
In preparation for this event, Oakland University hosted multiple career fair preparation workshops that were tailored specifically by school and major. These sessions allowed students to learn how to effectively approach employers, perfect their resumes and make a strong first impression. Additionally, during the fair, there were dedicated stations for students to practice their elevator pitch prior to speaking with employers, ensuring they felt confident and prepared.
Another valuable feature was the headshot station, where students could receive professional photographs to enhance their LinkedIn profiles or other professional platforms.
Jordan Smith, a career ambassador for Oakland University, shared his perspective on the significance of the event.
“I just think this is a very good opportunity for everyone, regardless of what year in school you are,” Smith said. “This fair gives students a larger chance of landing a job because they get the opportunity to talk to employers one-on-one, which later on, while applying on Handshake, LinkedIn, and Indeed, they will be recognized and already have formed a connection with these employers because of this fair.”
His insight highlighted the lasting impact these face-to-face interactions can have on career prospects, emphasizing the importance of personal connections in addition to online applications.
On the platform Handshake, the university encouraged students to dress professionally and bring printed copies of their resumes to share with potential employers.
Oakland University went above and beyond to ensure students were prepared for this event, utilizing multiple emails, social media posts and in-person workshops to promote the fair and equip attendees with the tools they needed to succeed. Its efforts reflected a commitment to student career development, demonstrating that the university values proactive engagement with industry professionals.
Employers attending the event also found numerous opportunities to connect with students and alumni. Each booth featured marketing materials, information about the company and often, promotional items or giveaways for attendees.
Carlina Galli, an Oakland University alumna who graduated in 2025 with a bachelor’s degree in human resource management, attended as a recruiter for Little Caesars Pizza, where she currently serves as a human resources assistant. Galli shared with The Oakland Post, “I hope we can find interns and students interested in working for Little Caesars Pizza.” She continued, “Being able to come back and give back to the Oakland community is something I hold close to my heart,” reflecting her desire to support the next generation of OU graduates while contributing to the local professional community.
The event showcased the impressive planning, organization and dedication of the Oakland University Career and Life Design Center, highlighting the university’s commitment to preparing students for successful futures. From employer interactions to preparation workshops and professional resources, the 2025 Fall Career Fair once again proved to be a cornerstone event for OU students and alumni striving to advance their careers.