JONESBORO – As students approach graduation, landing a job often depends on early preparation, internships, and networking opportunities. A recent study by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) found that 55% of students with a paid internship receive at least one job offer. For the Arkansas State University class of 2026, approximately two in five students secured a job before graduating.

Elizabeth White, assistant director of career development and student engagement at A-State, said the university is actively working to help students increase those odds. One primary strategy involves connecting students with recruiters during campus job fairs.

“We try to stress to students that networking—speaking with the individuals who come to our fairs and getting your foot in the door—is crucial,” White explained. “The statistics show that many interviews happen because you met someone face-to-face.”

The university recently revamped its job fair structure after feedback from employers, who expressed concerns about prior events.

“We heard from our employers that they often didn’t get to talk to students because there were so many booths that students couldn’t navigate effectively,” White noted.

In response, A-State increased the frequency of job fairs from two or three a year to as many as nine, with each featuring smaller groups of approximately 20 to 30 employers. According to White, this adjustment provides students more time for meaningful one-on-one conversations with recruiters, resulting in better outcomes.

“So, we’ve definitely been hearing more of our students coming out of these fairs with job opportunities,” White said. “We’re also seeing more alumni returning as recruiters for their industries, which is a great cycle of success.”

Seniors like Kaylee Hill say they are relying on internships and networking to secure meaningful employment after graduation.

“I’m really nervous,” Hill shared. “When I graduate, I want to go straight into the career I’ve been pursuing, without waiting or settling for something just to get by. I’m counting on these opportunities to help make that transition possible.”

Arkansas State’s next career fair is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 27, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Cooper Alumni Center. Students can register through the Handshake platform up until the morning of the event.