University of Kentucky Hosts Career Builder Days with OneUK partners Fischer Homes and Valvoline Global
Representatives from Fischer Homes and Valvoline Global visited the University of Kentucky on September 11 and September 17, respectively, as part of the university's Career Builder Days. This initiative aimed to connect students and faculty with industry leaders from the OneUK partnership, fostering valuable networking opportunities and career insights.
During the two-day event, representatives engaged with multiple colleges, including the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, College of Arts and Sciences, Gatton College of Business and Economics, College of Fine Arts and the Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering. Both companies also met with student organizations including the DanceBlue leadership team, the ChemE Car team, the Automotive Industry club and the ChemCats.
Each day featured a faculty lunch where company representatives discussed their hiring practices, sought after skills in candidates, and addressed questions regarding their stances on important environmental issues that resonate with both students and faculty. The discussions provided insight into the companies’ commitments to sustainability and corporate responsibility.
A Valvoline Global Operations (VGO) team participated in a graduate-level panel discussion on supply chain management, showcasing the company's global strategies. Another group tailored their presentation to a chemistry class, delving into the specifics of their chemical polymer formulations. In a visual studies course, VGO representatives explained how they leverage visual design in both internal and external communications to engage Fine Arts students more effectively. Meanwhile, Fischer Homes offered insights into their philanthropic initiatives during a business ethics course.
When meeting with student organizations, company representatives provided practical advice on career development. Students inquired about leveraging social media in their job searches and what qualities to highlight during interviews.
“The Career Builder Days were an excellent opportunity to connect our campus community with our OneUK business partners,” Audrey Baricovich, Business Engagement Program Coordinator said. “Our OneUK partners were able to engage with our highly motivated and skilled students, learn about our outstanding student organizations, and interact with our innovative faculty members. In turn, our students and faculty had the chance to connect with Kentucky-based companies seeking to provide career opportunities for UK students. The more we foster meaningful industry connections, the more opportunities we can create for our entire campus community.”
The Career Builder Days provided a platform for students and faculty to explore potential career pathways while allowing companies to identify emerging talent within the University of Kentucky's student body.