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A record over 1,700 students donned professional attire and brought their resumes to talk with prospective employers at the University of Idaho’s fall 2025 Career Fair, according to UI.
The fair was held in the P1FCU Kibbie Dome and featured over 200 vendors spanning a variety of fields. A large number of engineering companies, police departments, government agencies, universities and professional associations were represented, including companies such as Chobani, Dairygold and Panda Express.
While employment services are commonly used by upperclassmen at UI, a number of freshmen and alum could be found at the fair, either looking for work or looking to hire.
“They have a lot of really great tables when it comes to finding those good grad programs,” said Xia Spears, a freshman majoring in biology and psychology who hopes to go into neuropsychology or neurology after completing her education.
“There are some really great opportunities for other majors as well, I’d say. It’s been a really eye-opening place and it’s good to see what employers are looking for in a college student,” Spears continued.
Carson Valley, a UI alum that majored in business economics, returned to the career fair to manage a table for Points Consulting after finding an internship with them at a past fair. “I met the company when I came to the career fair here. That led to an internship for me, and so a full-time job for me now as well,” he said.
When asked what advice he’d give students seeking job opportunities, Valley said, “Keeping an open mind is good. … I kind of came in with a narrow mind …, thinking I had a specific idea of what I would find and what I wanted to see, but keeping an open mind is what led me here and I think everyone will find a good opportunity for them if they keep an open mind and just keep looking and are open to other possibilities.”
This was a sentiment echoed by a number of people at the fair, both representatives for organizations and companies and staff of UI’s Career Services.
“Just talk to people. Honestly, one of the best things [a student] can do is get out there and talk with employers. Just strike up friendly conversations. There are so many jobs out there that don’t have the job title of your degree that you probably don’t even know exist, and the only way you’re going to find out is by talking with employers,” said Erik Ciaccio, a UI alum and career consultant for the College of Science and College of Education, Health and Human Sciences.
Though the organizations were the main attraction of the Career Fair, it was preceded by several career-oriented events, including networking nights for each college and career workshops. As with Joe’s Closet, an event held on Oct. 6-7 that allowed students to pick up free professional clothing, the Career Fair offered free professional photography. The spring Career Fair will be held in February of 2026.
Cal Torres can be reached at [email protected]