Getting Gators to stay in Gainesville

March 17, 2015

With so many career opportunities and a thriving entrepreneurial climate, why would a UF student not explore life in Gainesville after graduation? That’s the thinking behind the “Stay in the Swamp” Career Fair to be hosted this Thursday in Hough Hall by the Hough Graduate School of Business.

In its third year, the event is designed to encourage current students to pursue careers in the Gainesville area. “Stay in the Swamp” is co-sponsored by the Graduate Business Career Services office at the Hough Graduate School of Business, the University of Florida’s Career Resource Center, the Gainesville Chamber of Commerce and CareerSource North Central Florida.

More than 30 companies have registered to attend, including AxoGen Inc., Fracture, Gainesville Health & Fitness, Mobiquity Inc., Shadow Health and SharpSpring, among others.

“This event serves as a tremendous opportunity for our students to network with growing businesses and learn more about rewarding careers right here in Gainesville,” GBCS Director Craig Petrus said. “The addition of Innovation Square, the area’s emerging startup community, and a commitment to innovation from private and public leaders have helped foster a unique and exciting business climate in Gainesville.”

The first two “Stay in the Swamp” Career Fairs were intended only for graduate business students. This year’s event is open to current undergraduate students as well.

“We’ll be hosting companies with full-time and part-time openings, paid internships, and other career opportunities we believe our students can excel in,” Petrus said.

Also debuting at this year’s event is “Resource Avenue,” composed of several UF programs and organizations promoting career and professional development opportunities for students. Among the Resource Avenue organizations scheduled to be at the event are representatives of three of the Hough School’s specialized master’s programs: Master of Science in Entrepreneurship Program, the Master of International Business Program and the Master of Science in Management Program. Alachua County Emerging Leaders, Titletown Gator Club and the Hippodrome Theatre will be present as well

The event is scheduled from 5-7:30 p.m., and admission is free. Business attire is required, and attendees are encouraged to bring several copies of their resume.

 Student attendees must bring their UF identification cards to gain access to Hough Hall, and are strongly encouraged to RSVP at Gator CareerLink at crc.ufl.edu/gatorcareerlink.

The full list of registered companies can be found on GBCS’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/UFGBCS.  For more information about the “Stay in the Swamp” Career Fair, please contact GBCS-info@warrington.ufl.edu.