Record attendance at RVA Career Expo

A record 1,143 candidates participated in the 2018 RVA Career Expo in Glen Allen earlier this month, traveling from as far away as Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C. and Maryland. More than 20 percent were students, representing 23 colleges from around the Commonwealth.

Held March 8 at The Cultural Arts Center in Glen Allen, the event was sponsored by the Richmond Chapter of the Virginia Tech Alumni Association in partnership with Career Prospectors and Jobs Assistance Ministry.  One hundred twelve employers participated, and 1,100 job openings posted for candidates before an event.

The first expo was held in 2009, said Charlie Wood, a Virginia Tech graduate who founded Career Prospectors in 2002.  Since 2013, the expo has been held during both fall and spring breaks.  In addition to attracting such large employers as VDOT, the Federal Reserve, Virginia Tech HR and Union Bank, the expo also draws small employers who never recruit on a college campus, Wood added.

The event was heavily publicized through social media, and more than 120 volunteers were present to assist.  “Employers indicate this is the most hospitable event they attend, and they appreciate the support by volunteers,” said Wood.

Students requiring financial assistance also benefited from the event, said Jason Habel, vice president and scholarship chair of the Richmond Chapter of the Virginia Tech Alumni Association.

“This event’s mission is to benefit those seeking employment, and consequently the recruiter registration fee is very modest," Habel said. "Yet because of the success of the event, the proceeds have had a significant impact on the Richmond Chapter’s scholarship fund."  In 2017, the two RVA Career Expos fully funded nine $2,500 scholarships for Virginia Tech freshmen and transfer students.”