VCSU Seeks Employers for Feb. 12 Career and Internship Expo

Valley City State University’s Career Services Office is recruiting employers to participate in its annual Career and Internship Expo, set for Thursday, Feb. 12 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. inside the VCSU Memorial Student Center. Employers who want to connect with students can register through Jan. 16 or until maximum capacity is reached.

About 100 VCSU students are expected to attend the expo, where they will look for internships, summer work, part-time positions and post-graduation careers. Employers will have the chance to meet soon-to-be graduates as well as underclassmen preparing for their careers. “This expo is a great opportunity for students to engage directly with businesses and organizations in Valley City and throughout North Dakota,” said Janna Kohler, director for career services. “We’re excited to host events that highlight the strong and diverse career paths our area has to offer.”

The university highlights strong outcomes for graduates: over the past two years, 99 percent of VCSU graduates who responded to a career survey reported being employed or continuing their education after graduation. Valley City State offers more than 65 majors, giving employers a broad cross-section of potential candidates in education, business, STEM, health-related fields and the arts.

For businesses and agencies in Stutsman County, participation is more than recruitment; it is an investment in local capacity. Rural communities face chronic challenges recruiting and retaining workers in sectors that directly affect public health and well-being, including clinics, long-term care, social services and public safety. Bringing students into conversations about local careers can strengthen staffing pipelines, shorten vacancy periods and help maintain continuity of care for residents.

The expo also matters for equity. On-campus events reduce costs and travel barriers for students who might otherwise lack access to recruitment fairs in larger cities. Early engagement with underclassmen helps diversify the candidate pool over time and gives employers an opportunity to mentor students from varied backgrounds into local roles.

Employers interested in attending should contact Janna Kohler at janna.kohler@vcsu.edu or 701-845-7534. The university encourages area businesses, nonprofit organizations and healthcare providers to consider how on-campus recruiting can support workforce stability and community health outcomes as Stutsman County plans for future growth and service needs.