Parkersburg, W.Va. (April 9, 2026) — Students at WVU Parkersburg showcased their skills and experience during the college’s Reverse Career Fair held Thursday, April 9, 2026, an event designed to put students at the center of the hiring conversation.

Unlike a traditional job fair, the Reverse Career Fair allowed students to host their own tables while employers circulated to meet them. The format gave students the opportunity to highlight their strengths, share their experiences and make meaningful connections with potential employers.

In preparation for the event, students completed several hours of career readiness training, including mock interviews, professional and dining etiquette instruction, and guidance on how to effectively communicate their skills and career goals.

Each student created a professional display featuring a 19-by-29-inch poster highlighting their experience, skills and career interests. Students also brought copies of their resumes, portfolio materials and a QR code linking to their LinkedIn profiles to share with employers.

Mary Casto, Career Services Specialist at WVU Parkersburg, said the preparation helped ensure students were ready to confidently present themselves.

“Students got a chance to show off and talk about all the great things they’ve learned,” Casto said. “They were able to present themselves in a way that brings them closer to their career goals.”

Casto said the event went beyond a typical job fair by focusing on networking and professional growth.

“It gave students the opportunity to network with a variety of employers in a comfortable environment while practicing their professional communication skills,” Casto said.

Chloe Dicks, who is pursuing a Bachelor of Applied Science in Integrated Marketing Communications and plans to graduate in December 2027, said the experience helped her grow more confident in speaking with employers.

“I really enjoyed it,” Dicks said. “It felt like a success. I was able to talk with several employers, learn what I could improve and gain valuable networking experience.”

Dicks said students completed a series of preparation modules leading up to the event, focusing on skills such as delivering an elevator pitch, building a resume and interacting professionally with employers.

“The workshops definitely helped,” Dicks said. “Even if I don’t walk away with a job right now, I feel much more comfortable talking with employers.”

She encouraged other students to participate in the future.

“I would encourage anyone to take part in the Reverse Career Fair,” she said. “It’s a great opportunity to put yourself out there and build confidence.”

Owen Davis, who is working toward an Associate of Applied Science in Multi-Craft Technology and plans to graduate in May 2027, said the structured preparation played an important role in his experience.

“There were several requirements to get ready, including creating a poster, building a resume, completing presentations and quizzes, and participating in a mock interview,” Davis said.

Davis said the experience led to meaningful conversations with employers and potential job opportunities.

“I spoke with several employers and made some great connections,” Davis said. “One representative from a pipe fitting union encouraged me to apply in June, and Constellium expressed interest in hiring after I graduate.”

He added that the preparation made a difference in how confidently he approached those conversations.

“All of the preparation helped me feel ready to talk with employers,” Davis said.

WVU Parkersburg President Dr. Torie Jackson said the reverse format helped students feel more confident while interacting with employers.

“I think it’s a great opportunity for students to be in a comfortable environment while meeting employers when they’re fully prepared,” Jackson said. “They’ve practiced their pitch, completed mock interviews and refined their resumes, and that preparation helps them become more polished with each interaction.”

Jackson said the format also reduced some of the pressure students may feel when approaching employers in traditional settings.

“It can be very difficult for a student to walk into a company and ask about job opportunities,” Jackson said. “This format gives them the opportunity to meet employers without having to take that first step on their own. It makes the experience less intimidating.”

The Reverse Career Fair brought together students and employers from across the Mid-Ohio Valley, creating networking opportunities and potential career connections while helping students build confidence and professional skills.