Case Study

Career Exploration Day opens doors for local students, small companies

ServiceTalent Pipeline Development

With support from title sponsor Qualcomm Incorporated, EDC hosted Advancing San Diego (ASD): Career Exploration Day and Virtual Career fair on October 20, 2020—a free online event that brought together employers and San Diego students for a day of career exploration, professional development, and networking.

Watch the event recap

CHALLENGE

With so much uncertainty around workplace environments and job opportunities amid the COVID-19 pandemic, graduating students are navigating somewhat uncharted waters in starting their careers. For employers forced to shift in-person recruitment events online, connecting with students in meaningful and effective ways has been especially challenging.

EDC SOLUTION

In its inaugural year, the Advancing San Diego: Career Exploration Day and Virtual Career Fair created an opportunity for employers, educational institutions, and students to connect virtually in one place. Small employers with less than 100 employees participated in the event free of charge, providing small businesses access to talent without prohibitive recruitment costs (which average about $300 per event).

Throughout the day, 150 students logged on to connect with recruiters from 14 San Diego companies (listed below) and participate in web-based interviews for 45 job openings. Attendees represented schools throughout San Diego, including San Diego State University, CSU San Marcos, UC San Diego, City College, Mesa Community College, MiraCosta College, Miramar College, Palomar College, San Diego Continuing Education, Southwestern College, National University, San Diego Code School, a handful of high schools, and more.

Students also participated in a series of industry panels and professional development sessions, on topics ranging from job search strategies to building your personal brand. Speakers throughout the event offered consistent advice to students navigating their career path in challenging times: lean in, stay focused, and be confident in yourself, your abilities, and your value.

RESULT

More than 240 applications were submitted by students, with eight hires made through the virtual career fair. Employer booths hosted more than 1,700 total visits.

Nearly half of attendees were first-generation college students, and 65 percent were studying computer science or engineering. According to a post-event survey, 100 percent of students plan on staying in San Diego after graduation.

SAVE THE DATE

The next Career Exploration Day is November 18, 2021. Details and registration to come for students and companies.

“Qualcomm was pleased to have sponsored and participated in the Advancing San Diego Career Exploration Day. In a time where recruiting is more challenging than ever, we were able to engage with diverse talent from all over the region in an innovative way and bring awareness to the various job opportunities in San Diego.”

—Monique Rodriguez, VP Government Affairs, Qualcomm

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