When Hurricane Helene approached Western North Carolina in late September, no one could have predicted the destruction and disruption the storm would leave behind.
In response, people across the state and nation pitched in to support Mountaineers while Appalachian State University paused course delivery for two weeks. Critical co-curricular, career-focused events were postponed, too, and the trajectory for Walker Business Connections, the Walker College’s premiere fall career fair — scheduled for October 3 — was changed.
Staff from Business Career Services and the Brantley Risk and Insurance Center, with support from the Walker College Dean's Club, rescheduled, reworked, and rebranded the event “Back to Business” and moved it from the Holmes Center, which was used as an emergency shelter during the storm’s aftermath, to Peacock Hall.
At the scaled-back fair on November 6, even as the university worked to recover from Hurricane Helene's effects, 548 students met with industry representatives from 38 companies. Students were also included in resume books sent to the 110 employers initially scheduled to attend Walker Business Connections.
“Employers tell us graduates are better prepared than their counterparts in the workplace,” said Walker College Dean Sandra Vannoy. “It’s one reason our alumni keep coming back to App State for their future leaders.”
Open to graduate and undergraduate students, the college's semesterly career fairs allow participants to network with representatives who will provide information on their full-time careers, part-time work, internship opportunities, and sometimes international jobs.
About the Brantley Risk & Insurance Center
The Brantley Risk & Insurance Center enhances the academic experience of business students at Appalachian State University by providing space and staff to assist with networking, job placement preparation and contact with faculty members outside the classroom. It provides students opportunities to participate in professional designation and licensing programs and invites industry leaders to participate in classes and speak to student organizations. It also fosters research and faculty development, assists the insurance industry in the design and delivery of continuing education programs, and helps educate the public about the insurance industry. Learn more at https://insurance.appstate.edu.
About Business Career Services
Business Career Services in the Truist Student Leadership Center provides opportunities for business students to build career skills through professional and leadership development training. The center offers career services with personalized coaching and support to business students preparing for a career beyond Appalachian. Learn more at businesscareers.appstate.edu.
Employers and App State students network in Peacock Hall at Back to Business on November 6.
Photo by Sabrina Cheves