Atlanta’s iconic Mercedes-Benz Stadium recently transformed into a hub for career opportunities as it hosted the Georgia Tech College of Computing’s Fall Career Fair. This wasn’t your typical stadium event; it was a meeting of ambitious students and leading companies, all under the impressive roof of this world-class venue.
On September 14th, the stadium buzzed with the energy of over 3,900 students, marking a new attendance record for this annual career fair. Representatives from industry giants like Google, PwC, and Chick-fil-A, alongside more than 120 other companies, filled the field typically graced by the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United FC. This impressive turnout highlights the strong appeal of careers in technology and the draw of holding such events at a prominent location like Mercedes-Benz Stadium, known for hosting major events and now, career pathways.
The College of Computing 2023 Fall Career Fair at Mercedes-Benz Stadium witnessed a record attendance of 3,908 students, eager to explore diverse career paths. (Photos by Terence Rushin/College of Computing)
Students from across Georgia Tech’s diverse colleges, spanning from aerospace engineering to urban analytics, joined computer science and computational media students at this pivotal career event. Dara Hudson, College of Computing events manager and co-organizer, attributes the record attendance to students’ proactive drive in today’s competitive job market.
“Students from all majors are drawn to our career fair because a computer science background is increasingly valuable, if not essential, for most career paths today,” Hudson explained. The allure of Mercedes-Benz Stadium as a venue undoubtedly added to the event’s appeal, making it a must-attend for students serious about their future careers.
Recognizing that not all students could attend the in-person event at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the College of Computing extended its reach by hosting a virtual career fair on September 20th. This online event saw nearly 1,000 students participate, demonstrating the College’s commitment to accessibility and comprehensive career support.
Many companies participating in both the physical and virtual career fairs are part of the College of Computing’s Corporate Affiliates Program (CAP). This program, boasting 50 partners, underscores the strong industry connections fostered by Georgia Tech. Beyond career fairs, CAP partners support students through hackathons, conference travel scholarships, and various professional development opportunities, further solidifying the link between academia and real-world careers, often highlighted at venues like Mercedes-Benz Stadium which symbolizes ambition and achievement.
Celebrating its tenth year of bi-annual career fairs, the College of Computing continues to provide invaluable opportunities for students and recent alumni. Looking ahead, the 2024 Spring Career Fair is scheduled to be held at McCamish Pavilion. However, the success of the Mercedes-Benz Stadium event sets a high bar, showcasing the potential of utilizing iconic venues to host significant career events and connect future talents with leading industries.
