JWU Career Fairs: Experiences, Connections, Opportunities

Antoinette Jacques ’25 is a Hospitality Management major who attended JWU’s recent Food & Hospitality Career Fair and wrote about her experience for JWU News.

My name is Antoinette Jacques, and I’m a senior at Johnson & Wales University’s Providence Campus, studying Hospitality Management with a minor in Beverage Service Management and I’ll be graduating this December. As I look ahead to my next chapter, I’ve been reflecting on the experiences, connections and opportunities that have shaped me, especially attending JWU’s Food & Hospitality Industry Career Fair held each semester. Although focused on the food and hospitality industries, this career fair also offers opportunities for students in business, health and wellness, and technology.

Finding My Path

As I approach graduation, I find myself reflecting on how far I’ve come since my first year at JWU and that this semester’s career fair was the final one I will attend and use to build the foundation for my first full-time role in the industry.

At this year’s career fair, I connected with representatives from The Woodstock Inn & Resort, the Cosmos Club, and The Langham Hotels and Resorts. I also had the opportunity to reconnect with recruiters from Aspen Hospitality and The Lodge at Whitefish Lake, where I previously completed internships. Discussions centered on post-graduation opportunities, leadership development and the significance of emotional intelligence within the hospitality industry. Matthew McClure, a recruiter from The Woodstock Inn, shared valuable advice that resonated with me: “Be passionate to learn, keep growing and be adaptable.”

Learning Through Experience

I actually secured both of the internships I completed as a student through connections I made at previous JWU career fairs, which is one of the many reasons I encourage students to attend and make good use of these events. These connections were formed by going to the fairs prepared with my résumé in hand, waiting for the right moment to engage in one-on-one conversations, following up consistently through email and taking the initiative to start meaningful discussions.

Career Fair Preparing and Debriefing

In the weeks leading up to the career fair, I made it a priority to prepare myself thoroughly. I updated and refined my résumé, seeking feedback from both Experiential Education & Career Services and my professors to ensure it effectively highlighted my experience and professional growth. I also attended several pre-career fair events hosted by student-run clubs and organizations on campus. These clubs often invite industry professionals to speak, host activities and provide valuable networking resources, which helped me gain insights into current hospitality trends and refine my approach to professional conversations.

As co-president of the Live Events Association (LEA) and president of Eta Sigma Delta (ESD), I wanted to make sure students had the tools to approach the career fair with confidence. Through LEA, I co-led a career workshop and pumpkin painting event that combined professional preparation with a fun, low-pressure setting. I led the résumé review portion, while Career Services’ Jenna Parker, a senior student career advisor, hosted a LinkedIn optimization session. We also included a station where students could practice elevator pitches, something that ended up being incredibly useful for me, too.

After the fair, my ESD chapter hosted a Career Fair Debrief Night, giving students a relaxed space to reflect on their experiences, exchange advice and talk about the next steps. These events and experiences helped reinforce how important preparation and peer support are when it comes to career development.

Confidence and Professionalism

Confidence, for me, always begins with preparation. I’m especially grateful for JWU’s Career Closet, which provides free professional clothing to students. Having access to a well-fitting, professional outfit made a huge difference in how I felt walking into the fair. The Career Closet team even had a booth outside the event space, offering quick styling advice and free headshots for students making last-minute touch-ups before meeting employers.

This year’s career fair attracted more than 1,000 students and hosted nearly 100 employers from across the country, spanning hotels, resorts, event venues, beverage companies and tourism organizations. Reconnecting with my connections from Aspen Hospitality and The Lodge at Whitefish Lake was a full-circle moment that reminded me just how far I’ve come since my first fair.

Gratitude and Growth

As I look back on my time at JWU, I’m deeply thankful for Experiential Education & Career Services. Their guidance gave me the confidence and connections I needed to succeed. It was through one of my earliest career fairs that I met a recruiter, Danielle May, from Aspen Hospitality, which led to my first internship and gave me the skills and confidence to secure a second internship at The Lodge at Whitefish Lake. These experiences not only shaped my career path but also deepened my understanding of what genuine hospitality means.

Advice for Future Wildcats

My best advice for students is to start early, ask your professors for advice, research companies ahead of time, keep your résumé updated and visit Experiential Education & Career Services for one-on-one feedback. Practicing elevator pitches can help you feel natural in conversation, and using the Career Closet ensures you’re dressed confidently and professionally.

I also recommend attending events like the LEA and ESD workshops run by student organizations and designed to prepare students for career fairs. They’re great for practicing networking and building connections in a comfortable, supportive environment. Each career fair, no matter what year you’re in, helps you grow. Every conversation builds confidence and clarity about where you want to go in your career.

Looking Ahead

As graduation approaches, I’m exploring opportunities in luxury hospitality and guest experience management, specifically in food and beverage. From résumé workshops to networking events, and from the Career Closet to internships across the country, every experience at JWU has shaped who I am as a hospitality professional.

To me, hospitality is about people and about creating moments that matter. As I step into my next chapter, I’m ready to bring those values forward, continuing to lead with empathy, professionalism and care.

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