By: Leyah Jackson
The countdown to graduation has begun, and the Class of 2027 has to decide what their next step will be.
“I wouldn't say that I feel completely prepared for the job market just yet. Although I have had internship experience, I have not yet had an opportunity that directly aligns with my desired field of data analytics,” said graduating senior Chianti Stephens.
Hampton University’s career center offers several resources for graduating seniors throughout the school year. The annual Fall Career Fair on September 17 gave many students the opportunity to network with job recruiters.
“Most of our students have said they have received opportunities from our career fairs and they have been beneficial,” said Employer Relations Coordinator Shannon Fields.
The career center posts jobs for students and alumni via Pirate Link, an e-recruiting platform. Even after leaving Hampton, graduates still have access to all of the resources and connections the center offers.
“From my experience and what I've noticed among my peers, internships can sometimes lead to full-time job opportunities, but that is not always the case… it depends on the organization, the student's performance, and whether the company has open positions,” Stephens continued.
Just recently, the career center hosted its Graduate and Professional School Fair on November 5, where HUglobal and HU Graduate School were among the graduate programs present. Over 65 students were in attendance, some of whom received waived application fees from graduate school programs and information about scholarships.
Schools like the University of Baltimore School of Law, UVA School of Nursing, and Johns Hopkins Carey Business School were among the 69 graduate schools and programs that visited campus.
“Take advantage of all opportunities and check their [students'] emails. I know that it gets overwhelming, but still it's for a good cause,” Fields continued.
Students can look forward to the Spring 2027 career fair and mark their calendars for a tentative February 11 date in the Student Center Ballroom.
