By Alyssa Neely – This Is Topeka
There’s something intimidating about walking into a room full of employers who might hold the key to your future. But yesterday, inside Washburn’s Student Recreation and Wellness Center, that fear melted into excitement as students, alumni, and recruiters packed the gym for Washburn’s annual Career Fair.
Organized by Washburn’s Career Services Department, the event featured over 70 employers from healthcare, education, business, government, and tech. Booths lined the gym floor, recruiters smiled behind their tables, and students walked around with résumés in hand — some looking confident, some looking like they’d rather be anywhere else.
I get it. I’m a freshman, and this was my first time seeing the career fair in action. I thought it would be awkward, like speed dating but with people who want to know your GPA. But once I started listening to the conversations happening around me, it didn’t feel scary — it felt empowering.
“I was nervous at first, but once I started talking to people, it got easier. Everyone was really welcoming,” one student told me, smiling as she tucked another brochure into her tote bag.
Career Services staff kept the vibe supportive. They offered free head shots, last-minute résumé reviews, and even pep talks for students like me who were just trying to figure out where to start.
What surprised me most was how many students discovered opportunities outside their major. Some walked away with new ideas about internships they’d never considered, or met recruiters for industries they didn’t know were hiring.
By the time the event wrapped up, the gym felt lighter — like the weight of “what’s next” had been replaced by possibility. Tote bags were full, LinkedIn profiles were updated, and a lot of us walked out with more than just swag. We walked out with a clearer picture of the future.
Washburn students who missed it can still get connected. Career Services is open year-round and has more events coming up. You can visit them in person or online at washburn.edu/career.
Alyssa’s Take
I’m still new to this whole “career planning” thing, but this event made me feel like maybe I won’t be wandering around aimlessly after graduation. If you went to the fair, tell me what your favorite booth was — or what freebie you scored! Email me at [email protected] and maybe I’ll feature your story next time.
