The 2024 Industrial Automation Career Fair took place on Feb. 15 and was held in the Renegade Event Center.
With well over 50 people present and 25 tables set up, chatter was everywhere for those interested in industrial automation. The event gave many the opportunity to learn about different careers in this field.
Program Manager of the Industrial Automation Bachelors Program Carlos Medina said the event gives the “opportunity to network students with future employers,” while also “helping our industry partners find future employees.”
The event had many companies there, from Wonderful Citrus to JT4, a company that helps with military test flights.
“Events like this are good for us because we’re local… the hope for us is to find a good fit and help build careers,” said JT4 Branch Manager Matthew Hagen.
The event also hosted the appearance of two robots: SoftBank Robotics’ Pepper and a Boston Dynamics robot dog named Spot. As Spot roamed around the event hall’s floor, many couldn’t help but to stop and look. One such student being Ivan Cervantes.
When asked why he was there, Cervantes replied, “to learn more about the program and get into the field of industrial automation… I heard about it from Carlos and was told it’s a good way to network.”
Industrial automation has become an increasingly important part of many industries and brands. Without this automation many companies would not be able to function properly.
“[I]f it wasn’t for [the automation], the department wouldn’t run,” said Suzy Cruz, a member of the Controls and Automation Team at Wonderful Citrus.
As the event came to an end, the attendees left and the potential employers of many BC students were given a gift and were offered more food as thanks for them being there.