The partnership between Northern Illinois University’s College of Engineering and Engineering Technology (CEET) and NIU Career Services is delivering results for students and employers alike.
This fall, the CEET Job & Internship Fair welcomed 64 employers, a significant increase from 42 companies that attended the event one year ago. The growth reflects a coordinated effort between CEET and Career Services to strengthen employer outreach, streamline event planning and ensure companies connect with highly prepared engineering and technology students.
The fair also welcomed 16 new companies recruiting at NIU for the first time, further expanding career pathways for students while helping organizations connect with emerging talent.
For CEET recruiter Gary Smith, the increase demonstrates what can happen when campus partners work toward a common goal.
“This growth didn’t happen by accident,” Smith said. “It reflects months of collaboration between CEET and Career Services to identify employer needs, build relationships and create an event that delivers value for both companies and students. When everyone is working together, everybody wins.”
That win-win approach has become a hallmark of the partnership.
Career Services brought expertise in employer engagement, recruitment trends and event coordination, while CEET leveraged its industry relationships and understanding of employer workforce needs. The result was a more comprehensive outreach effort that attracted companies ranging from longtime industry partners to organizations recruiting at NIU for the first time.
Ian Rabanal, employer engagement specialist with NIU Career Services, played a key role in coordinating the fair. The increase in participation reflects the reputation NIU students have built with employers, he said.
“Building strong relationships with employers is at the heart of one of the many things we do in Career Services. Our goal is to understand what organizations are looking for and create opportunities for them to connect with talented NIU students,” Rabanal said. “Employers eagerly want to connect with our NIU Huskies as they know they are well prepared and ready to contribute to the workplace. The growth of this year’s CEET Job & Internship Fair shows the impact of that collaboration and the value employers see in recruiting Huskies.”
The benefits extend beyond attendance numbers.
For employers, the fair provides direct access to a talent pipeline of students who combine technical knowledge with practical experience. Many organizations report success recruiting interns and full-time employees from CEET, creating lasting partnerships that support both workforce development and student success.
One of those partners is Woodward, which has long maintained a strong relationship with NIU and CEET.
“Our partnership with NIU continues to be valuable because the students arrive prepared and ready to contribute,” said Katelyn Smith of Woodward. “The CEET Job & Internship Fair provides a great opportunity to meet talented students who have the technical skills, professionalism and hands-on experience we’re looking for. It remains one of our most effective recruiting events.”
Students benefit as well.
Beyond exploring internships and full-time career opportunities, fair attendees gain experience networking with professionals, learning about industry expectations and discovering career paths they may not have previously considered. Many students establish connections that lead to interviews, internships and future employment.
Jovani Castillo, a senior biomedical engineering major, has had two previous internships—with Hatch Product Development in Waukegan and Schleifring Medical Systems in Elgin—that he secured through prior job and internship fairs. He appreciated the increased number of employers at the fair, which enabled him to make “several meaningful connections” with recruiters and engineers, he noted.
“I found it especially beneficial because I’m getting closer to entering the workforce and can relate more to the engineers and companies looking for a new set of eyes,” Castillo said. “One of the biggest advantages of attending these events is being able to make personal connections with employers. Employers are much more likely to remember who they just met rather than who just submitted an application online.”
The success of this year’s fair also serves as a model for how strategic campus partnerships can amplify results across the university.
By combining expertise, sharing resources and maintaining a focus on student outcomes, CEET and Career Services created an event that attracted more employers, offered more opportunities and strengthened NIU’s connections with industry.
As employer participation continues to grow, organizers believe the fair’s momentum is just beginning.
“The increase from 42 to 64 companies shows what’s possible when strong campus partnerships are aligned around a shared goal,” said Gary Smith, CEET’s recruiter. “We’re creating more opportunities for students while helping employers find outstanding talent. That’s a result worth building on.”
Employers interested in booth registration can visit our Spring 2027 Job and Internship Fair page.
