Fall Events Build Skills, Expand Professional Connections
AAMU Career Week Connects Students With Employers, Career Resources
By Adyson Saunders
Alabama A&M University students connected with employers and strengthened their professional skills during Fall 2026 Career Week, which concluded Friday with final interviews.
Hosted by the Office of Career and Workforce Development, Career Week included resume reviews, mock interviews, networking opportunities, employer information sessions and a 30-second elevator pitch competition offering cash prizes. Students also explored internships, co-ops and full-time opportunities with employers from industry and government.
An Alabama A&M University student speaks with an employer during the Fall 2026 Career Fair at the AAMU Event Center.
This year’s career fair brought 73 employers to campus, including five organizations participating for the first time: Engineering Consulting Services, Hardy Corp., HII Ingalls Shipbuilding, Lakeland Industries and Wichita State University’s National Institute for Aviation Research. Last year’s fair included 105 employers.
Karla Miller, director of Career and Workforce Development, said career fair attendance represents only one part of the University’s broader employer engagement efforts.
“The career fair is about meaningful connections, not just attendance numbers,” Miller said. “We are proud to welcome employers who are actively engaged in recruiting, mentoring and supporting our students, both at the fair and throughout the year.”
Employers also connect with AAMU students throughout the academic year through information sessions, classroom presentations, networking events, interviews, workshops, site visits and other recruiting activities.
Career Week also introduced the Iris Flex Booth, a self-service professional headshot station that allows students to take professional-quality photographs at no cost.
Students follow on-screen prompts to take their photos, which are processed and delivered digitally for use on LinkedIn, Handshake, resumes, portfolios and other professional platforms.
“A professional headshot is often a student’s first opportunity to make a positive impression with employers,” Miller said. “The Iris Flex Booth provides equitable access to professional-quality photos, helping students present themselves confidently and professionally as they pursue internships, job opportunities and career connections.”
The booth will be permanently housed in the Office of Career and Workforce Development and will be available to students throughout the year. It can also be transported to career fairs, employer events and other campus programs. Students generally will not need an appointment to use the booth.
Adyson Saunders is a member of Crew 75, Alabama A&M University’s student creative content team.