Amherst Area Internship Fair Kicks Off Career Fair Season at UMass
Monday, September 22, 2025
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.
Dozens of employers, including The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, shared internship and work opportunities with UMass Amherst students on September 5, 2025.
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.
About Joe Van Allen
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.
Fidelity Day Connects 375 Students with Alumni and Career Opportunities
Wednesday, September 10, 2025
More than 375 students gathered in Goodell Hall on September 10 for Fidelity Day: Meet the Fidelity Team, an employer highlight event hosted by the UMass Amherst Career Development and Professional Connections Hub in collaboration with Fidelity Investments.
Students met with Fidelity associates during Fidelity Day in Goodell Hall on September 10.
Ten Fidelity representatives, including UMass alumni, spoke with students about internship and full-time career paths in technology, operations, client relations, and corporate finance. Attendees were able to share resumes, join Fidelity’s talent network, and learn more about the company’s recruiting timeline for the 2026 Summer Internship Program.
The strong student turnout reflects Fidelity's consistent role as one of UMass Amherst's top hiring organizations. In 2024, Fidelity hired over 40 UMass undergraduates across five colleges - making it the third-largest employer of UMass students that year. The company has ranked in the top ten UMass undergraduate employers every year since 2020.
“Coming to UMass was an amazing experience. I’m an alum, so it really meant a lot to me to come here and pay it forward to the students here,” said Justin Yin ’20, Senior Financial Analyst at Fidelity. “There is a lot of talent here.”
Students said having an employer come to campus made it easier to connect.
“It’s a great way to get your foot in the door early on,” said Shruthi Kotha, a first-year Operations and Information Management major. Divya Sivaram, a Finance major in the Isenberg School of Management, added that it was great to share experiences with the associates at Fidelity.
Fidelity Day is one of many events hosted by the Career Development and Professional Connections Hub to connect students with employers. Upcoming events include Dell Technologies Night on September 16, Big Y Night on October 8, and Inside SharkNinja on October 15.
UMass students can find more information and register for upcoming events on Handshake.
About Joe Van Allen
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.
The UMass Professional Wardrobe Closet initiative has a new location as of the Fall 2025 semester. ALL UMass students can visit the closet to browse our collection of free, new, and gently used items! The Professional Wardrobe Closet is becoming a fixture of the Isenberg School of Management's Office of Access, Collaboration and Engagement for Success (ACES). Originally located in the Isenberg Office of Career Success, the Professional Wardrobe Closet is now located on the 2nd Floor of Goodell Hall. A grand opening will take place on Monday, September 15, 2025. UMass students from all majors, schools, and colleges can frequent the closet, which is currently run by the Isenberg Office of ACES.
This fall, Career Services at UMass is bringing you events across all colleges. This is a high-level overview of events, last updated as of September 1, 2025 - for a complete list of events, use the links below to access the hundreds of virtual and in-person events available to UMass students.
More info Looking for an internship around Amherst? Local businesses are hiring part-time Interns at this fair, and on-campus employers who are hiring for either part-time jobs or internships (work study options available too).
More infoLooking for an internship around Amherst? Local businesses are hiring part-time Interns at this fair, and on-campus employers who are hiring for either part-time jobs or internships (work study options available too).
More info Join Fidelity for a casual, high-impact event where you’ll connect with Fidelity associates and UMass alumni from career paths like Corporate Finance, Client Relations, Operations, and Technology.
More infoJoin Dell Technologies for an evening filled of fun where you can hear from 15+ current Dell employees who are UMass Amherst Alumni. The event includes a keynote speaker, young alumni panel Q&A, followed by networking to learn more about open internships and full-time jobs at each business unit within Dell.
More infoDon't miss out on the opportunity to talk to over 50+ employers each day interested in hiring YOU for full-time, internship, and co-op positions. Opportunities for all majors, years, and STEM industries.
More infoDon't miss out on the opportunity to talk to over 50+ employers each day interested in hiring YOU for full-time, internship, and co-op positions. Opportunities for all majors, years, and STEM industries.
More infoThe Building and Construction Technology program, student groups, and the CNS Career Center are organizing this career fair for jobs in construction, project management, green building, materials, building systems, and related fields.
More infoDon't miss out on this opportunity to speak with employers interested in hiring students for internships, co-ops, and full-time positions. Be ready to impress them with your resume, elevator pitch, and company research.
More infoDon't miss out on this opportunity to speak with employers interested in hiring students for internships, co-ops, and full-time positions. Be ready to impress them with your resume, elevator pitch, and company research.
More infoThe Civil and Environmental Engineering Department hosts this career fair for jobs in transportation, environmental, water resources, geotechnical and structural engineering opportunities as well as civil engineering construction.
More infoThis is a great opportunity to speak with employers interested in hiring UMass students for internships and full-time positions in the actuarial field. All current UMass Amherst students and alumni, as well as students from the Five Colleges, are welcome to attend.
More infoThis is a great opportunity to get your resume reviewed by Teach for America, a leading national, non-profit organization, in advance of the Careers for the Common Good - Public Service & Social Impact Career Fair on October 22nd, and peak recruiting season. Pre-scheduled resume review appointment and drop-ins will be available.
More infoJoin the team at Big Y for a panel presentation with young alumni discussing their roles, what they've learned, and why they like working at Big Y. Following the panel presentation, there will be the opportunity to network with a variety of Big Y team members to learn about their Spring & Summer Internship Programs as well as Full-Time Jobs available for upcoming graduates.
More infoMeet face to face with biology, chemistry, and other science-based employers to learn more about their company and what they are looking for in interns, co-ops and full time hires. Even if you feel you are not ready to network with employers, it is a good idea to attend the Fair and walk around to see what it is all about, eavesdrop on other conversations, and practice your elevator pitch with some companies.
-
SharkNinja Company Showcase
TBD
More infoStop by and see some of the amazing Shark & Ninja products on the market AND chat with recruiters and alumni from SharkNinja about internships, co-ops, and full-time career opportunities. Opportunities are available for many majors across the organization located at their Needham, MA headquarters.
More infoThis is ideal for any students who are interested in careers in management and/or careers with a management component to the job, join this event to have your resume reviewed by a Target Supervisor or Manager. Pre-scheduled resume review appointment and drop-ins will be available.
More infoMake a positive impact on the world through your work, or find a role that will make your “heart happy” through your contributions. Organizations in attendance will include Public Service Agencies at local, state, and federal levels, Non-Profit Organizations tackling societal issues, and For-Profit Companies who are innovating for the common good of society.
-
Psychology Career Fair
Campus Center - Marriott Room
More infoDon't miss out on this opportunity to talk to employers interested in hiring for internships, co-ops and full-time positions, as well as graduate programs, in psychology and human services organizations.
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.
When developing your resume, choose powerful, precise words that highlight your skills and accomplishments. This resource organizes action verbs by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) career readiness competencies. These categories were developed by surveying employers and identifying their most sought after traits in potential candidates.
Pulling from this list of verbs will enable you to connect your experiences to the skills employers value most—whether that’s teamwork, problem-solving, leadership, or communication. Bring your achievements to life and clearly show the impact you can make.
Do you need professional attire for your upcoming graduation ceremony, classroom presentation, attending career fairs, internships, or interviews?
The UMass Professional Wardrobe Closet Grand Opening on September 22nd
The UMass Professional Wardrobe Closet initiative has a new location as of the Fall 2025 semester. ALL UMass students can visit the closet to browse our collection of free, new, and gently used items!
The Professional Wardrobe Closet is a fixture of the Office of Access, Collaboration and Engagement for Success (ACES). Originally located in the Isenberg Office of Career Success, the Isenberg Professional Wardrobe Closet is now located on the 4th Floor of Goodell Hall. A grand opening will take place on Monday, September 22, 2025. UMass students from all majors, schools, and colleges can make an appointment and prepare themselves for career fairs, networking events, and interviews.
Hours of Operation: Fall 2025
September 22, 2025 – November 21, 2025
Monday1:00 PM to 4:00 PM (by appointment only)
Tuesday10:00 AM to 1:00 PM (drop-in; no appointment necessary)
WednesdayClosed for maintenance
Thursday10:00 AM to 1:00 PM (by appointment only)
FridayClosed for maintenance
What to Expect:
During an appointment, you can expect to have support from trained student staff while searching for and trying on items in a safe, clean, and private space.
Students can select one item in each clothing category from the UMass Professional Wardrobe Closet that is yours to keep—at no cost!
All appointments, including the last appointment time, will conclude by the designated closing time.
The UMass Professional Wardrobe Closet cannot guarantee the availability of all sizes and types of items. Inventory is dependent on donations. Members of ACES try to keep the site as up-to-date as possible, but there may be some differences in item availability between the online site and your visit to the closet.
Making a good impression and feeling confident as you navigate your professional journey is one of the most important things you can do to stand out! Dressing for success can make a huge difference and the UMass Professional Wardrobe Closet can help you look and feel your best.
Summer Networking Night
Tuesday, July 1, 2025
By Joe Van Allen
June 24, 2025 – Amherst, MA
UMass interns spending their summer in the Amherst area gathered for an evening of connection, career insight, and community-building at the Summer Networking Night, held at UMass Downtown. The event was a collaborative effort between UMass Career Development and Professional Connections Hub, the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce, and ALKU, designed to help students gain confidence and build meaningful professional relationships.
The event kicked off with a presentation on networking strategies to set the tone for a night of intentional, engaging conversation.
"We know how transformative real conversations with professionals can be for students," said Kristin Brooks, Associate Director of High Impact Practices at the UMass Career Hub. "It was amazing to see that come to life at this event. I’m so grateful for the partnership and support from UMass Downtown, ALKU, the Amherst Area Chamber, and UMass Amherst. Working together, we’re able to open doors and help students see what’s possible."
Jacob Robinson from the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce (Left) and Genevie Lemieux from ALKU (Right) lead a lively discussion during the Summer Networking Night at UMass Downtown.
Following the presentation, students mingled with one another and the speakers to practice their networking skills. Conversations ranged from resume tips and career paths to life in the Pioneer Valley, as attendees enjoyed light appetizers and the warm, informal setting of UMass Downtown.
Jacob Robinson, the Executive Director of the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the importance of networking to develop local connections: "You build relationships that can lead to friendships, new opportunities, and deeper community connections that strengthen everyone’s well-being. We hope the experience sparks confidence, curiosity, and connections that will last far beyond the summer."
UMass Amherst Career Development and Professional Connections Hub and the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce share many collaborations, including the annual Amherst-Area Internship Fair, which will be held on September 5, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the UMass Amherst Campus Center. Employers who are interested in attending can reach out to Kristin Brooks (@email) for more information.
About Joe Van Allen
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.
Spotlight: Nursing Graduates from the Class of 2025
Tuesday, June 10, 2025
By Dr. Elise Carrier
We have already seen many success stories from the Nursing Class of 2025. Here are a few of our standout stars, each exemplifying excellence, determination, and innovation in their respective fields. Their achievements inspire us and set a high standard for future classes.
Isabella Calvani '25: BSN, RN
Registered Nurse
Hyde Park Pediatrics | Hyde Park, MA
"Make the most of these four years. Learn as much as you can, and really dive into your clinicals. Those hands-on moments are where it all comes together. Time goes by quick, so take it all in and make every experience count!"
Sydney Eitel '25: BSN, RN
Commonwealth Honors College
Labor and Delivery Unit
Hartford Hospital | Hartford, CT
"Make the most of every clinical opportunity—even if it’s not in a specialty you are initially drawn to or if it’s a skill that is not the most glamorous or exciting. Every experience is a chance to learn, grow, and build meaningful connection. Don’t be afraid to ask questions—being curious and engaged gives you a real advantage in nursing. You never know where a conversation or moment of learning might lead you."
Sasha Grosz '25: BSN, RN
General Surgery & Trauma Stepdown Unit
Duke University Hospital | Durham, NC
"Don’t be afraid to try something new even if no one else you know has done it. Take every opportunity you can and let curiosity lead the way, not fear. Every experience is a chance to learn and grow. Embrace it, reflect on it and keep moving forward!"
Katelyn Guidi '25: BSN, RN
Clinical Decision Unit
UMass Memorial Medical Center | Worcester, MA
"You may feel lost or unsure at times, but trust the process. Every clinical, every shift, and every challenge is shaping you as a soon to be nurse. The right path is out there for you and eventually it will click and it’ll all make sense. Along the way, lean into the relationships you build with your classmates and professors, they will be your greatest sources of support, inspiration, and lifelong connections."
Erin O'Keefe '25: BSN, RN
Registered Nurse
Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital | Boston, MA
"My biggest piece of advice is to start networking with other nurses and healthcare professionals early. This includes with your professors and clinical instructors, with staff at your clinical sights, and with anyone you work with in healthcare jobs outside of school. Not only can this help you when it comes to finding your first nursing job, but it can also open up opportunities for shadowing which can help you find what area of nursing you like the most. Having these connections into your nursing career can also be helpful down the line if you ever want to change focuses or broaden your interests."
About Dr. Elise Carrier
Dr. Elise Carrier is an experienced higher education professional with an unwavering passion for empowering individuals to realize and achieve their professional aspirations. In her role as the Associate Director for Career and Professional Development at The Career Hub, Elise is instrumental in the creation and implementation of a diverse spectrum of career programs.
Spotlight: Education Graduates from the Class of 2025
Tuesday, May 6, 2025
By Dr. Elise Carrier
We have already seen many success stories from the Education Class of 2025. Here are a few of our standout stars, each exemplifying excellence, determination, and innovation in their respective fields. Their achievements inspire us and set a high standard for future classes.
Megan Allen '25: Bachelor of Arts in Education & Psychology
Concentration: Community Education and Social Change
Continuing Education: Harvard University
MS in Human Development & Education
Career Advice: Don't be afraid to take risks while you're here. Go for that internship, apply for that job, volunteer for that lab! Going out of your comfort zone, even if you don't end up getting that position you wanted, is a valuable professional skill in and of itself. I've gotten to be a part of so many wonderful experiences that I would not have been a part of had I not taken the risk to apply for them. I promise you are more qualified than you think, so just go for it!
Maxwell Austin ’25: Bachelor of Arts in Education
Concentration: Community Education and Social Change
3rd/4th Grade Math Teacher
Boston Public Schools
Career Advice: It sounds like a cliché, but my advice to undergraduates and those seeking jobs in education is really to be yourself. We want to show students that all of their identities are valuable, so going into interviews, it's important to apply the same principle to ourselves as candidates. Teaching is deeply relational, and school districts are looking for people who can connect with their students. This requires showing districts that you're a reflective and relatable person ready to channel your authentic self into creating an empathetic and responsive classroom community.
Maggie Bodian '25: Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education (Minor: Psychology)
Continuing Education: NYU Steinhardt School
MA in Childhood Education and Childhood Special Education: Grades 1-6 (Dual Certification)
Career Advice: My advice to undergraduate students is to be your own strongest advocate. I always say, "If you don’t ask, you don’t get." Don’t hesitate to speak up if something doesn’t feel right—your professors are there to support YOU. Make the most of the resources available to you, whether it's career services, internships, mentorship, or networking opportunities. The more experience you gain, the more confident you'll become in your field and yourself. Take initiative!
Heather Kurland '25: Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education
1st Grade Inclusive Classroom Teacher
Veterans Early Learning Center Saugus Public Schools
Career Advice: Keep your head on your shoulders and find the joy in the chaos that student teaching can be! Rely on the support of your classmates, professors, and supervisors— we’re lucky here in the College of Ed to be so supported— use it to your advantage.
Sha Lee ’25 Bachelor of Arts Community Education & Social Change
Intern – Office of Youth Engagement & Advancement
City of Boston Human Services Cabinet
Career Advice: Never be afraid to expand your interests; reach out to faculty members, organizations, and companies to learn more about yourself and the careers you would like to pursue. Know that change is okay.
Taylor MacIntosh ’25 Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education (Minor: History)
Pre K 4 Teacher
Westfield Public Schools
Career Advice: You have the tools to fulfill your dreams in Education! The UMass College of Education does an incredible job preparing you for this moment. Be yourself in your interview! Remember- the school is lucky to have you and you are interviewing them just as much as they are interviewing you. It should be a good fit on both ends! You and the school. The right district is out there for you!
About Dr. Elise Carrier
Dr. Elise Carrier is an experienced higher education professional with an unwavering passion for empowering individuals to realize and achieve their professional aspirations. In her role as the Associate Director for Career and Professional Development at The Career Hub, Elise is instrumental in the creation and implementation of a diverse spectrum of career programs.
In preparation for the Massachusetts Education Recruiting Consortium (MERC) career fair, the Career Development and Professional Connections Hub will be facilitating the “Perk Up for MERC!” workshop series to educate students to confidently succeed at the fair. Our office highly encourages both undergraduate and graduate students to attend MERC – in 2024, 129 employers attended MERC! There will be three “MERC-shops” available for students to attend:
February 11: Perk Up for MERC! - Introduction and Career Fair Preparation Guide
When: Tuesday, February 11th, 2025 @ 7:00 PM
Where: Virtual on Zoom
A comprehensive introduction to MERC, including how to properly scout attending employers, strategic approaches for the day of, and a demonstration of how to apply these preparation techniques.
March 11: Refining your Resume – Putting Your Best Self Forward
When: Tuesday, March 11th, 2025 @ 7:00 PM
Where: Virtual on Zoom
Your resume is an essential item in your career toolkit. Learn how to refine your resume to ensure that it is of top quality in time for the fair!
April 17: Navigating Networking – Selling Yourself to Land Your Dream Job
When: Thursday, April 17th, 2025 @ 5:30 PM
Where: Goodell Hall (Career Event Room, Room 560)
You have done your research, devised a strategy, and refined your resume. Now, it is time to nail that initial conversation with a recruiter. How do you do it? Join us to find out! (Pizza will be provided)
In addition, celebrate your preparation with an opportunity to use our brand-new photo booth!
And one more thing...
For students who participate in all three workshops and confirm that they will be attending MERC, we will provide a branded resume padfolio that provides:
Space to hold your resume and business cards for the fair
A notepad to help organize thoughts before and during the fair
A professional appearance to further impress employers!
We look forward to seeing you there!
About Ryan Beck
As the Career Hub graduate assistant, Ryan supports many facets of the Career Development and Professional Connections Hub. An alumnus of the Isenberg School of Management and graduate degree candidate in the College of Education, Ryan brings a wealth of knowledge surrounding career and professional development and a passion for helping others to the team.
