Last Thursday, my friend Alika, a CIS major with a Data Technology minor and a passion for digital communication and content creation, attended a smaller-scale career fair at Bentley. While it wasn’t as large as the university’s big annual fair, she found it incredibly worthwhile. One thing she always points out about Bentley is how full of opportunities it is. It’s not just about what’s handed to you, Bentley creates an environment that inspires you to take initiative and actively seek out meaningful connections.
Alika went in prepared, having researched the companies and recruiters she wanted to engage with. Her confidence and clarity stood out. From what she shared, the recruiters were not only approachable but genuinely enthusiastic about connecting with students. That welcoming energy made it easier for her to have thoughtful conversations, boosting her confidence along the way.
One of her best encounters at the fair was with a recruiter from ALKU. The recruiter was incredibly lively, engaging, and genuinely interested in listening and sharing more about her firm. Alika spoke about her background in CIS, her Data Technology minor, and her passion for digital communication and content creation. She also expressed interest in learning more about ALKU’s tech-related opportunities. The recruiter responded with enthusiasm, explaining that ALKU offers a wide range of roles and that Alika’s skill set could be a strong match for some of them. Although the summer positions were already filled, she encouraged Alika to apply for the fall semester and even walked her through the types of roles they offer and what qualifications they seek. The entire exchange was exciting and affirming, it showed Alika how her passions could align with the company’s work. As she’s said before, when a recruiter brings that kind of warm, reciprocal energy into a conversation, it makes a huge difference. It boosted her confidence and made her feel more at ease asking questions and expressing her interests.
She also mentioned how organized the fair was, with a clear layout and helpful map that made navigating the event smooth and efficient. The room had an atmosphere that balanced professionalism with creative freedom, and even though not every company aligned exactly with her major, Alika still walked away with valuable insights and new professional contacts.