The Amherst Area Internship Fair returned to the Campus Center Auditorium on Friday, September 5, bringing together more than 40 local businesses, non-profits, and campus departments offering part-time jobs, internships, and work-study opportunities. Now in its fifth year, the fair has grown steadily—from 17 employers in its first year to more than 40 this fall—reflecting the strong demand for meaningful student work experiences in the Pioneer Valley.
Co-hosted by the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce and the UMass Arts Extension Service, the fair featured organizations such as the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, Big Y Foods, Amherst Cinema, and Amherst Innovative Living, as well as campus partners including Alumni Relations and the Mount Ida Campus.
Students praised the fair for its approachable environment. One attendee shared, “I liked having the opportunity to talk to people representing local internships in a setting that was not overtly formal. I think the atmosphere and friendly staff made the event a lot less stressful.” Feedback like this reflects a larger trend—1,160 students attended this year’s fair, marking the third consecutive year with attendance over 1,000. Employers echoed the enthusiasm, noting how engaged students were and how smoothly the event was organized.
The Amherst Area Internship Fair is one of more than 20 career fairs and recruiting events hosted annually by UMass Amherst. As the first fair of the year, it kicks off the fall recruiting season. Students can look forward to more opportunities in the coming weeks, including the Engineering Career Fair, the Isenberg School of Management Career Day, the Tech Jobs & Internships Fair, and the Life Sciences & Biotech Fair. Students can find a complete list of upcoming fairs and events is available on Handshake.
Joe Van Allen is the Senior Data Analyst and Associate Director of Communications at the UMass Amherst Career Development and Professional Connections Hub. He's passionate about connecting students with opportunities that showcase their skills, and bridging the gaps between what someone wants to do and their current experience. And spreadsheets - he can't get enough of spreadsheets.