Spring Career Expo helps students explore careers February 5, 2026
Biannual event connects UND students with employers from across the region
Earlier this week, several hundred UND students and alumni attended the 2026 Spring Career Expo, taking part in two days of networking, career exploration and connecting with employers.
The event took place on Feb. 3-4 at the Memorial Union Ballroom and featured about 130 employers representing a variety of career fields. The first day centered on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) oriented careers, while the second day featured employers in the aviation, business, education, health care and public service sectors.
For many students, the in-person setting provided clarity and confidence in navigating career options. Dawson Roshau, a third-year electrical engineering student, said the Expo helped him better understand which employers were actively recruiting.
“Looking online, it’s kind of hard to see who’s legit and who’s not,” he said. “You can search for engineering jobs, but it’s not going to show everything. Being here lets you see what’s really out there.”
One employer Roshau engaged with was Buba Kanagi, global talent coordinator with the North Dakota Department of Commerce’s Global Talent Office. Kanagi’s team helps recruit and retain the state’s workforce, conducting outreach around the world.
Event organizers and partners noted strong engagement from both students and employers. Jen Proulx, events & communication coordinator at UND’s Department of Academic Services & Career Engagement, said the expo is an invaluable experience for all students.
“We love to see students come in right from the start – freshman, sophomores – for networking and internship opportunities,” she said. “As they get a little older, this is a great opportunity to look for full-time jobs.”
Proulx also cited resources available to students at UND’s Pancratz Career Development Center, such as resume building, interview preparation and the “Career Closet” – a program that lets students borrow formal clothing if they do not own any themselves.
Throughout both days of the expo, students met face-to-face with recruiters, discussed employment and internship opportunities and gained insight into career paths across the region.
One such employer was Skywest Airlines – the largest regional airline in the country, as measured by number of aircraft, pilots and routes operated. The airline, which operates short-haul flights for mainline carriers Alaska, American, Delta and United, has a partnership agreement with UND through its Pilot Pathway Program.
Among the benefits the program offers to students are access to mentors and guaranteed interviews, as well as a reduced minimum number of hours required to fly commercially. As a member institution of the Pilot Pathway Program, UND graduates are eligible to begin their careers as First Officers at Skywest with 1,000 flight hours, as opposed to the standard 1,500 mandated by the FAA.
Written by Joe Banish and Adam Kurtz // UND Today
