WVU Parkersburg turned the traditional hiring experience upside down with its first-ever Reverse Career Fair, held on April 2. The innovative event saw 31 students and over 40 professionals representing 33 employers from a variety of industries come together for a unique, student-led networking opportunity.
Unlike a standard career fair where employers sit behind the tables and students approach them, the reverse format allowed students to take center stage. Each student set up their own table to showcase résumés, portfolios, and career ambitions. Employers moved from table to table, engaging directly with students and discovering emerging talent in a more personal way.
“This amount of employers and students made for a very successful inaugural event,” said Mary Casto, a career specialist at WVU Parkersburg. “We exceeded expectations, and interest is already growing for next year.”
The fair drew employers from diverse fields, including technology, hospitality, healthcare, cosmetology, and the military. Notable names included iTech, Ntiva, Coplin Health Systems, the Blennerhassett Hotel, and the West Virginia National Guard.
Building Relationships Beyond the Résumé
For employers like Mike Williams, President of iTech, the format offered a refreshing way to evaluate potential hires.
“This gives you the ability to evaluate soft skills, which are most important to me,” Williams said. “I expect them to know their field, but I’m really looking for people with communication and interpersonal skills. I wish more colleges would do events like this.”
Students also embraced the opportunity to network in a more relaxed, proactive setting. Grace Sprout, a criminal justice student set to graduate in 2027, attended the fair after hearing about it from a classmate.
“I thought it would be a good opportunity to network because I enjoy talking to people,” she said. “When I graduate, I want people to remember me. I want them to say, ‘Oh yeah, I met Grace. She was really nice.’ Hopefully, that’ll help me land opportunities later.”
Mutual Benefits for Students and Employers
For James Liebau of Coplin Health Systems, the event provided meaningful interaction with students and insight into how employers and colleges can collaborate more effectively.
“It was kind of funny to realize we weren’t going to be on the other side of the table,” Liebau said. “But it’s a great opportunity for students to showcase their skills. It’s also a chance for us to rethink how we build relationships with the school and help students transition into careers more smoothly.”
The success of the inaugural Reverse Career Fair has already sparked interest among students who missed it and want to participate next year. WVU Parkersburg sees the event as a model for empowering students to take initiative in their career development.
“Events like this empower students to take ownership of their professional growth,” said Casto. “It helps them practice communication, confidence, and career readiness in a way that a resume alone can’t capture.”
With positive feedback from both students and employers, WVU Parkersburg plans to expand the Reverse Career Fair, cementing it as a cornerstone of its hands-on approach to career preparation.
