How to Land an Internship: Lessons from a JWU Career Fair

Author Ariana Adolph '28 is a Sports, Entertainment, Event — Management major at the JWU Charlotte Campus, works as a student assistant for Experiential Education & Career Services and wrote this story for JWU News.

The first thing I did when I woke up on the morning of the Spring Expo 2026 Career and Internship Fair was take a deep breath. Today wasn’t just another Thursday on campus; it was a day where doors to my future could open, where connections could be made and where preparation would meet opportunity.

As a rising senior at JWU Charlotte, majoring in Sports, Entertainment, Event — Management (SEEM), I’ve learned that opportunities in this field rarely come to you; they’re something you seek, prepare for and create. Career fairs are one of the most powerful places to do just that. Here’s how I landed two summer opportunities from this semester’s Career and Internship Fair.

Students and employers at the Spring Expo 2026 Career and Internship Fair

Preparing for the Expo: Strategy, Focus and Confidence

I began preparing for the fair two weeks prior to the date. I scheduled a meeting with an Experiential Education & Career Services (EE&CS) advisor who offered personalized guidance on highlighting leadership experience, event coordination skills and adaptability — qualities that make me a strong candidate for the companies I’m interested in.

After meeting with the advisor, I enrolled in a résumé-building course through BigResume.io, a platform available to students through EE&CS to strengthen our résumés. Using the platform’s AI tool, I refined every bullet point, verb and accomplishment for clarity, focus and impact.

I then researched all 75+ employers that attended and identified the ones most aligned with my goals. I also made sure my professional outfit was ready, rehearsed my elevator pitch, and mentally prepared myself to approach each conversation with confidence and curiosity.

Behind the Scenes: Seeing the Fair Come Together

Arriving at the fair as a student assistant for the EE&CS office, I helped with setup, table organization and welcoming employers. From this perspective, I gained a deep appreciation for the scale and effort involved in creating a seamless experience for both students and employers. Tables were arranged, banners unfolded, registration desks staffed and employers checked in with firm handshakes and warm smiles. Witnessing this commitment to get the fair up and running reminded me that the professionals at JWU and the employers who attend the fair are passionate about mentoring students and invested in our growth.

EE&CS works tirelessly to bring employers to campus and ensure students have meaningful opportunities; seeing that firsthand inspired me to approach the fair with energy and purpose.

Making Connections That Matter

The moment the fair opened, the room was alive with energy. Students navigated booths with résumés in hand, scanning companies and prioritizing their conversations. Employers were approachable, eager to share insights and meet students ready to learn.

U.S. National Whitewater Center: Event Management Internships

I was excited to walk up to the U.S. Whitewater Center booth. I had researched their programs ahead of time, knowing they offer internships that combine outdoor adventure, hospitality and large-scale event planning.

Introducing myself, I shared my background in sports, entertainment and events and then discussed past professional experiences and campus initiatives I’ve been involved in. The center’s representative engaged me in a conversation about coordinating large events including festivals, corporate retreats and community programs.

I learned that interns at the Whitewater Center are given real responsibility from planning event schedules, coordinating with vendors and managing participant experiences. They also assist with marketing and social media promotion.

“Show initiative, ask questions and be proactive. The more you demonstrate curiosity and flexibility, the more opportunities you’ll have to take ownership of projects during your internship,” said one of the representatives.

This conversation reaffirmed that career fairs are more than résumé-building; they’re steppingstones into the professional world.

Roaring Gap Country Club: Summer Shadowing and Hands-On Experience

Next, I visited Roaring Gap Country Club, a seasonal club that hosts summer events, weddings and hospitality programs. I spoke with Joshua Baskey ’15, assistant general manager, who shared that the club hires for positions in culinary, front of the house and management internships, as well as seasonal staff.

Baskey emphasized, “We can teach technical skills, but the energy and attitude a student brings can’t be trained. Show interest, ask for opportunities and you’ll get to do more than you expect.”

I left the table imagining my summer shadowing at the club, setting up banquet halls, coordinating staff schedules and learning event logistics in real time. It’s not just about experience; it’s about mentorship, insight and exposure to hands-on event management that will shape my career.

Beemok Hospitality Collection: Industry Connections and Career Pathways

Lastly, I visited Beemok Hospitality Collection, which owns a portfolio of luxury hotels, restaurants and event venues. The company has a strong emphasis on employee growth with opportunities for career development and long-term advancement within the company.

I shared my career aspirations with a company representative and learned about their programs with opportunities to rotate through operations, marketing and event management roles at their properties.

“The hospitality industry is built on connections. Students who take the time to network, ask questions and show curiosity will find doors opening to internships, mentorships and even full-time roles,” said the representative.

Conversations and Connections: The Student Experience

One of the most inspiring aspects of the fair is its impact on students across all majors and experience levels. From first-year students exploring career paths for the first time to graduating seniors securing post-college opportunities, the fair serves as a launching pad for professional growth.

The fair empowers students to explore possibilities, develop confidence and build connections. It’s a shared experience where students learn from peers, mentors and industry professionals alike.

Personal Opportunities and Networking

For me, these fairs have been career-changing. I gained my first role as an event staff at Best Impressions by connecting with them in my first year at JWU during a career fair, resulting in my first professional experience.

During this spring’s expo I made connections that led to two opportunities this summer. One is with Roaring Gap Country Club, where I will shadow, and the second is with the U.S. National Whitewater Center where I will be interning.

Over time, I’ve built a network of mentors and industry contacts, from past supervisors at Best Impressions and Fangate Solutions to representatives at Wedgewood Weddings and Beemok Hospitality Collection. This network has provided guidance, insight and support, that continues to grow every time I attend another fair. Each interaction confirms that opportunities expand when you show up prepared, confident and curious.

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Reflections & Takeaways: Why Career Fairs Matter

The Spring Expo 2026 Career and Internship Fair is more than a networking opportunity; it’s a career-defining event. Working in the EE&CS office provides perspective on the immense effort behind bringing employers to students, while participating allows students to see how preparation meets opportunity.

Employers are passionate, approachable and ready to mentor. Career fairs help students gain experience, grow confidence, explore industries and build lasting professional networks. For me, they have shaped my path, from landing my first role to preparing for future internships and beyond.

By the end of the day, I left the fair energized, motivated and eager to share some top recommendations for students attending future career fairs:

• Prepare early: Refine your résumé, research companies and craft your elevator pitch.
• Be confident: Employers are approachable — show enthusiasm and professionalism.
• Ask questions: Learn what skills they value and the opportunities they offer.
• Network widely: Talk to multiple employers, even outside your main interest.
• Follow up: Career fairs are just the beginning — build relationships that last.

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