You have 30 to 60 seconds. That’s it.
A brochure on a table inside the Korbell Great Hall offers students a simple challenge: In the time it takes to ride an elevator, tell a potential employer who you are, what you can do, and why they should remember you.
On September 23, more than 350 Tigers embraced this challenge at Trinity University’s Fall Career Fair hosted by the Center for Experiential Learning and Career Success.
The students moved from table to table, résumés in hand, navigating conversations with employers from more than 40 organizations across 15 industries. Participating employers included Bank of America, Dell Technologies, H-E-B, Valero, Southwest Research Institute, and Sunoco LP.
Some students arrived seeking internships or their first professional connections. Others came to explore industries and career paths they had not previously considered.
Employers, meanwhile, were looking beyond majors to the skills Trinity students can bring to a workplace.
“Trinity students are willing to learn. They come from a dynamic liberal arts education, and the leadership at Sunoco recognizes that,” said Daniela Laporte ’25, data analyst at Sunoco LP.
That liberal arts foundation helps students communicate clearly, approach problems from different perspectives, and apply what they know in new settings.
For students, the career fair also expands their sense of what is possible.
“As an accounting major, I’ve really enjoyed exploring the different industries and opportunities available at the Career Fair,” said Ella Whitacre ’27. “I remember visiting a marketing booth one year, even though I wasn't planning to actively pursue a career in marketing. I followed up afterward, and they offered to be a resource however they could. It showed me how valuable it is to build relationships and stay open to conversations, even when you’re not looking for a specific opportunity.”
The fair is just one of the many career-development opportunities available at Trinity, including internships, alumni connections, faculty mentorship, research, and hands-on learning. These opportunities can be life-changing for students trying to discover their path after graduation.
And they help Trinity graduates stand out to employers, too. Organizations such as Valero have returned to Trinity’s Career Fair year after year to recruit students.
“Trinity has been a strong recruiting partner for us over the years. We’ve consistently hired interns who have gone on to become successful full-time employees, and Trinity students have been a great fit for our organization,” said Heather Sitka with Valero recruiting.
For students, an elevator pitch may only take 60 seconds, but where it leads can take a Tiger much farther.