YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Students at Youngstown State University’s Williamson College of Business Administration had the opportunity to make career connections Wednesday at Meet the Employers Day, an event designed to link students with companies across the Mahoning Valley.
Regional employers met face-to-face with students to discuss internships, development programs and full-time career paths. Ted Schmidt, regional president at PNC Bank, said the event serves as an informal first interview, allowing recruiters to meet candidates, collect resumes and identify potential hires for internship and post-graduate programs. He noted that opportunities span multiple fields, from marketing and finance to data analytics. From the students’ perspective, the event provided valuable exposure to local employers.
YSU student Allison Schrock said attending helped her learn more about HR internships and connect directly with organizations she might not have found online. The event also gave students clarity on career paths and the chance to prioritize companies aligned with their goals.
Employers also see the value in recruiting locally. Scott Mickholtzick of Howmet Aerospace emphasized the importance of bringing new talent into Valley-based operations and highlighted the company’s ongoing work with YSU interns at its Niles and Cleveland facilities.
Students like David Stipanovich described the event as a reflection of the region’s close-knit business community, where companies and the university work together rather than compete, helping students grow and find opportunities close to home.
Organizers said events like Meet the Employers Day strengthen ties between education and industry while keeping young talent in the region.