Mike Williams, President of iTech, left, talks to Conner Walker, student, about his future at WVU Parkersburg’s inaugural Reverse Career Fair on April 2 in the WVU Parkersburg Multi-Purpose Room. (Photo Provided)

PARKERSBURG — WVU Parkersburg hosted its inaugural Reverse Career Fair on April 2.

Thirty-one students and 33 employers represented by more than 40 professionals from the region connected and built relationships in a student-first hiring environment.

Unlike traditional career fairs, the reverse format positioned students behind the tables, allowing them to showcase their résumes, portfolios and career goals. Employers spoke with students and discovered talent firsthand.

“This amount of employers and students made for a very successful inaugural event,” Mary Casto, a career specialist at the college, said. “My minimum expectation was 25 students and 25 employers, so exceeding that was a pleasant surprise. We’ve already heard from students who missed it and want to be involved next year, so it’s definitely going to grow.”

Employers represented tech companies, hospitality, cosmetology and the military including iTech, Coplin Health Systems, Ntiva, Blennerhassett Hotel and the West Virginia National Guard.

Mike Williams, President of iTech, was pleased with the turnout.

“We’re always looking to hire good employees. What this does is give you the ability to evaluate soft skills, which are most important to me. I expect [students] to know [their] field, but I’m looking for people with communication and interpersonal skills,” Williams said. “I wish more colleges in the area would do similar things. We’re all looking to fill positions.”

Grace Sprout, a criminal justice student planning to graduate in May 2027, participated in the event after learning about it from a classmate.

“I thought it would be a good opportunity to network because I enjoy talking to people,” Sprout said. “Later on, when I graduate, I want people to remember me. I want them to say, ‘Oh yeah, I met Grace. She was really nice, really personable.’ Hopefully, that’ll help me land opportunities later.”

James Liebau of Coplin Health Systems praised the fair’s structure and the quality of interaction it encouraged.

“The turnout is great. It was kind of funny to realize we weren’t going to be on the other side of the table, but I think it’s a great opportunity for students to showcase their skills and education,” he said. “It also gives us a lot to think about as employers how we can better benefit from a relationship with WVU Parkersburg and how to make the transition from school to career as smooth as possible.”

With such strong engagement from students and employers, WVU Parkersburg sees the reverse career fair as an innovative approach that will continue to benefit its students and community partners for years to come.

“Events like this empower students to take ownership of their professional growth,” Casto said. “It helps them practice communication, confidence and career readiness in a way that a resume alone can’t capture.”