Central State University Career Expo 2024: Empowering Marauders for a bright future

Above: Qi'Marreon Marks (right), a junior from Akron majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in marketing, speaks with a company representative at the 2024 Career Expo at Central State University.

The 2024 Central State University (CSU) Career Expo, held from Oct.15-17 at the University Student Center, provided a platform for around 750 students to connect with nearly 130 local, state, national, and international companies. This three-day event was filled with opportunities for students across various disciplines to showcase their talents, build professional connections, and take the next steps in their career journeys. 

The Career Expo was strategically organized, with each day dedicated to a specific academic focus. Tuesday kicked off the event with the John W. Garland College of Engineering, Science, Technology, and Agriculture (CESTA), followed by the College of Business (COB) on Wednesday, and concluding with the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education (CHASE) on Thursday. This tailored approach allowed students to engage with employers directly aligned with their fields of study, providing focused networking and professional growth opportunities. 

Alumni triumph: Charles Hill and Kashawna Horton return to inspire 

Among the many career stories that unfolded during the Expo, two notable alumni, Charles Hill, ’24, and Kashawna Horton, ’24, returned to Central State University to offer insights and inspire current students. 

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Hill, who holds a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in management, represented Penn Entertainment’s Hollywood Casino Columbus. He is currently part of the Leadership Excellence at Penn (LEAP) program, a 15-month rotational program designed to develop future leaders.  

Reflecting on his experience, Hill shared, “Central State’s Office of Career Services was instrumental in my journey — from resume building to mock interviews and elevator pitches. I’m now working in HR and helping to build future talent, just like Central State helped build me.” 

Hill emphasized the importance of staying open to new opportunities. 

“I thought I’d be in health care, but now I’m in the gaming industry. My advice is to explore every opportunity and don’t shy away from something just because you think it’s not for you.” 

Similarly, Horton, who holds the same degree as Hill, represented DHL Supply Chain, the world’s largest supply chain company. Horton, an operations supervisor, returned to CSU to encourage students to explore the variety of career paths within her company.  

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“It feels so unreal to be here, helping students just like I was (helped) a year ago. I want them to see the opportunities that exist, and how quickly things can change after college,” Horton said. 

Both alums underscored the value of perseverance, preparation, and taking advantage of the support Central State provides. 

Students seizing opportunities 

Students attending the Expo took full advantage of the career-building resources offered by the Central State University Office of Career Services. Qi'Marreon Marks, a junior from Akron majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in marketing, reflected on his proactive approach.  

“As a first-year student on campus, I wanted to start early,” Marks said. “My teammates and older classmates told me how important it is to get my name out there. I prepared my resume, attended workshops with Career Services, and even scoped out companies on Handshake before the Expo.” 

Marks, who already holds an associate degree from Akron University, is determined to build his career in athletic administration. “My goal is to be an athletic director at the college level. The Career Expo is just the start of building those connections to make that happen.” 

Career Services: Preparing students for success 

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Lisa Dunn, director of the Office of Career Services, emphasized the value of career readiness and preparation. Career Services offers a variety of workshops and resources, such as the Career Expo Bootcamp, to ensure students are well-prepared for these opportunities.  

"Our students have the opportunity to build a professional network and gain professional experience immediately,” Dunn said. 

“I encourage campus employment and summer internships that guarantee that they can compete with any graduate — from any school.” 

The expo exemplified Central State’s commitment to preparing students for success after graduation. With nearly 130 companies eager to recruit Central State’s bright and talented students, the event provided a strong foundation for future careers. 

The 2024 Career Expo was just one of many opportunities Central State University provides to connect students with industry leaders. Career Services will host additional events throughout the year, ensuring that Marauders remain prepared to seize every opportunity. With the support of alumni like Hill and Horton, Marauders are empowered to turn their career dreams into reality. 

For more information on upcoming career readiness events, contact the Office of Career Services at 937-376-6218 or ldunn@centralstate.edu.