FAMU career expo draws near-record check-in total
Tallahassee, Fl.- Florida A&M University’s fall career and internship expo recorded 2,079 verified student check-ins Sept. 30, the second-highest total since attendance records began in 2017.
Hosted by FAMU’s Career and Professional Development Center at the Al Lawson Multipurpose Center, the event registered 96 employers. Its check-in total was 17 below the record of 2,096 set in fall 2024. Recruiters met with students about internships, full-time and part-time positions and other professional opportunities.
A Florida A&M University student checks in during the Fall 2026 Career and Internship
Expo on Sept. 30 at the Al Lawson Multipurpose Center. The event recorded 2,079 verified
student check-ins, marking the second-highest attendance total since 2017. (Photo courtesy of Jeff Adams.)
Tamara K. Taylor, director of the Career and Professional Development Center, said students used the
expo to pursue jobs and internships, explore unfamiliar industries and strengthen
their networking skills.
“That is important because the Career Expo should be more than a transactional experience where a student simply hands someone a résumé. It should be a developmental experience,” Taylor said. “Every conversation can help a student better understand the professional world, articulate their value and become more confident about where they want to go next.”
Florida A&M University students connect with recruiters, explore career opportunities
and gain valuable networking experience during the Fall 2026 Career and Internship
Expo on Sept. 30 at the Al Lawson Multipurpose Center. (Video courtesy of Antwanique
“Nova” Mitchell.)
Louis Brown, a fourth-year broadcast journalism student from Washington, D.C., said the expo expanded his perspective on careers beyond journalism. He drew interest from a recruiter about an opportunity after graduation.
“As a FAMU student, having career expos lets me know there are opportunities that my major does fall into, a plethora of ones that I wasn’t sure I was open to,” Brown said. “Another thing is that it's competitive out there, which lets me know it's going to be competitive after graduation.”
Participating employers included Ford Motor Co., Nike, Pfizer, the Walt Disney Co. and Lockheed Martin. Employers represented health care, finance, technology, engineering, manufacturing, aerospace and other fields.
Florida A&M University students explore career opportunities with a Raymond James
recruiter during the Fall 2026 Career and Internship Expo. The event featured 96 registered
employers offering students opportunities to learn about internships, full-time positions
and career pathways. (Photo courtesy of Jeff Adams.)
Taylor said meeting recruiters on campus helps students build relationships with professionals involved in hiring decisions before graduation.
“It also demonstrates that employers recognize the talent that exists at FAMU,” Taylor said.
She encouraged students to consider how their skills apply to jobs outside the career paths they typically associate with their majors.
“Large organizations need professionals in areas such as communications, human resources, research, operations, marketing, compliance, project management, and many other functions,” Taylor said.
Eljin Rhymes, a FAMU alumnus and engineering specialist at Owens Corning, said employers seek candidates from varied educational backgrounds who can collaborate and understand business operations.
“We are looking for roles in business administration, economics, human resources, finance, and engineering, in particular. All majors are welcome,” Rhymes said. “We do have the belief that wherever your major is, don’t count yourself out because someone may have the same background as you… We are looking for the ability to collaborate, work as a team, and understand business knowledge.”
A Florida A&M University student speaks with representatives from Procter & Gamble
(P&G) about career opportunities during the Fall 2026 Career and Internship Expo.
The event brought together students and employers from a variety of industries. (Photo
courtesy of Jeff Adams.)
Taylor said connections made through the expo have led to internships, full-time jobs and professional relationships, though the benefits may take time to develop.
“A conversation at the Expo may lead to an interview or opportunity today, but it can also introduce a student to a career path they had never considered, help them understand what skills employers are seeking or give them a professional contact who becomes valuable later,” Taylor said.
Hannah Brown, a third-year student studying business administration and graphic design from Atlanta, credited FAMU’s professional development resources with helping students build confidence and prepare to meet prospective employers.
“I feel like FAMU has put me at an advantage in comparison to other colleges or people trying to get into early career recruitment,” Brown said. “We are taught professional attire, what you should say, your greetings, how you should formulate a question, and how you should conduct yourself.”
Recruiters also praised students’ preparation. Jessica Watson, senior university relationship lead for Fidelity Investments, pointed to their confidence, professionalism and internship experience.
“The students at Florida A&M University are very sharp, polished, and prepared,” Watson said. “They came with their A game today, their resumes have been impeccable, they have wonderful experience, and they are not afraid to put themselves out there.”
Florida A&M University students engage with a recruiter during the Fall 2026 Career
and Internship Expo on Sept. 30 at the Al Lawson Multipurpose Center. The event provided
students with opportunities to explore career pathways, connect with employers and
build professional relationships. (Photo courtesy of Jeff Adams.)
The center also offered Expo Eve, a new series of smaller networking events connecting students with professionals in fields aligned with their interests. The events focused on business, media, communication and creative fields; health, public service and human sciences; science, technology, engineering, mathematics, environment and innovation; and student-athletes and veterans.
Taylor encouraged students to build professional skills and relationships throughout college.
“Professional development should not begin during senior year when you suddenly need a job,” Taylor said. “Students should use their college experience to explore careers, build skills, develop relationships and gain experiences that help them understand both what they want to do and what they have to offer.”
Attendees connect during FAMU's Fall 2026 Career and Internship Expo, highlighting
the importance of networking and building professional relationships. (Photo courtesy
of Jeff Adams.)
Taylor said she hopes students leave the expo with confidence and a broader view of their career options.
“Ultimately, I want our students to leave events like the Career Expo with greater confidence, greater awareness of what is possible and a clearer understanding that they have agency in shaping their professional journey,” Taylor said. “Our role in the Career and Professional Development Center is to create access, provide resources and help students prepare.”
A Florida A&M University representative welcomes attendees at the FAMU Online Continuing
Education booth during the Fall 2026 Career and Internship Expo on Sept. 30 at the
Al Lawson Multipurpose Center. (Photo courtesy of Jeff Adams.)
Media Contact:
Ashley Flete
Senior Communications Specialist
ashley1.flete@famu.edu
