Lenoir-Rhyne students connect with employers at Hickory career fair

Originally scheduled for Feb. 4, the “Careers. Well Crafted.” career fair has been rescheduled to Wednesday, Feb. 11, from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Hickory Metro Convention Center, due to winter weather conditions.

Students from Lenoir-Rhyne University and other area schools will have the chance to meet employers and explore career paths at the “Careers. Well Crafted.” career fair, hosted by the University City Commission (UCC) on Wednesday, Feb. 11, from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Hickory Metro Convention Center. The event brings together colleges, employers and community partners from across the Hickory area.

Lenoir-Rhyne University is an active participant in the commission’s work and will take part in the citywide fair alongside Appalachian State University and Catawba Valley Community College. The event is also open to local high schools and members of the general public.

“This is our first time doing an event like this, and we’re thrilled to see cooperation between all three participating colleges while welcoming students from LR and the other schools in the area,” said Dana Kaminske, communications and marketing manager for the City of Hickory. “We also talked to students to understand their ideal career fair experience, and they consistently asked for a casual environment that would facilitate conversations and exploration. I believe that’s what they will find when they enter the convention center.”

While Lenoir-Rhyne’s Career and Professional Development Center hosts several targeted, discipline-specific career events throughout the year in partnership with academic departments, the citywide fair offers a broader opportunity for students to explore multiple industries and career paths in one setting. The university’s strong track record — 99% of graduates in 2025 secured employment or enrollment in graduate programs within six months of graduation — underscores the value of these opportunities.

“We were intentional about bringing together employers from a wide range of career clusters — from manufacturing and health care to education, government and nonprofit work,” said Katie Wohlman, director of career and professional development at Lenoir-Rhyne. “This is an opportunity that can benefit you no matter what stage of your career journey you’re in.”

The 70 employers attending the fair represent most of the region’s major industries, offering opportunities that range from immediate employment and internships to service roles and graduate school exploration.

The Hickory Metro Convention Center setting also allows participating institutions to support students before they enter the main fair space. Lenoir-Rhyne plans to host a dedicated area where students can take time to prepare for meeting potential employers.

“We’ll have resources available before students even step onto the floor — résumé reviews, elevator pitch practice or even just a quick pep talk,” Wohlman said. “Our goal is to help them get comfortable and confident first, and then take that confidence into conversations with employers.”

The fair is designed as a casual, drop-in experience, with no advance registration required. Students are encouraged to attend in professional or business-casual attire they already own, and the Career Closet is available for those who would like additional support.

The Office of Student Experience will provide transportation to and from the convention center throughout the day, and faculty have been encouraged to support student attendance even if class schedules are affected.

“This event is really about meeting job seekers where they are and creating a collaborative space that isn’t intimidating,” Wohlman said. “Hickory is rich with educational and career opportunities, and this fair helps people see what’s possible right here in our community.”

The “Careers. Well Crafted.” career fair is organized by the University City Commission in partnership with workforce, business and community organizations.

“At a time when so much feels temporary, building real connections and choosing to put down roots matters,” said Taylor Newton, Ph.D., professor of psychology at LR and chair of the UCC. “The commission brings people together not just for economic reasons, but to help students build full lives here. Hickory is a great place to live and work, and meaningful progress often starts by getting the right people in the same room.”

Students are encouraged to approach the fair in whatever way feels most useful — whether they are actively seeking employment, exploring career paths or simply starting to think about their next steps.

More information, including a full list of participating employers, is available at https://www.hickorync.gov/university-city-commission-events