Fischer Homes returns to campus for third ‘Career Builder Day’
“I was a psychology major, and Fischer Homes fully trained me with everything I needed to work in sales with the company,” shared Mehryn Toole, standing at the front of a class of students at the Gatton College of Business and Economics.
That moment was part of Fischer Homes’ third Career Builder Day with OneUK, a program that brings the company directly into the student experience. While representatives visited several groups on campus, one faculty member welcomed Fischer Homes into two of their courses: FIN 360 - Principles of Real Estate and FIN 464 - Real Estate Finance and Investments.
For Shaun Sanders, who teaches both courses, the opportunity to host an industry partner twice in one day was intentional.
“The [classroom] visit grew out of broader conversations with the Economic Development Collaborative / OneUK team regarding the value of maintaining a strong relationship between Fischer Homes and the University, particularly with the Business College as we build and expand our Gatton Center for Real Estate,” Sanders said.
In Principles of Real Estate, Students are given an overview of the basic concepts and principles of real estate in the private and public sectors. In Real Estate Finance and Investments, students are introduced to real estate investment and financing, with a focus on analyzing the risk, return, and value of residential and commercial properties.
“Setting aside class time for Fischer Homes to speak with my students was a priority because their work aligns directly with the themes we cover in this course,” Sanders said. “Beyond course content, it was valuable for students to learn about potential career pathways, skills that employers are seeking, and opportunities they might pursue after graduation. Finally, the visit strengthened ties between the university and the broader community, showing students the importance of engaging with organizations outside the classroom."
Beyond the classroom, Career Builder Day extended into the Cats Den at the Gatton Student Center, where Fischer Homes hosted a networking reception. Open to all majors, the event allowed students to meet company representatives in a casual setting, practice networking skills, and explore career opportunities before the upcoming All-Majors Career Fair.
“Our recent Career Builder Day with OneUK partner Fischer Homes was a win-win for all involved,” Audrey Baricovich, program coordinator for ASTeCC and the Office of Business Engagement, said. “Students gained direct access to industry professionals to learn about career and co-op opportunities, while faculty and staff from 5 colleges received insights to better align academic efforts with industry needs. At the same time, Fischer Homes was able to continue building relationships on campus, identifying top talent early, and sharing the skills they value in future hires. It was a wonderful day of building meaningful connections between our campus community and Fischer Homes, and we’re excited to continue growing this partnership.”
At the heart of Career Builder Day is OneUK, the University of Kentucky’s strategic collaboration program with leading businesses, designed to foster long-term, holistic partnerships that drive innovation, talent development, and economic growth in the Commonwealth.
Learn more about OneUK here.