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A Florida A&M University student connects with a recruiter during a networking opportunity,\n exchanging a handshake that could mark the beginning of a future career path. (Photo
\n Courtesy of FAMU)<\/p>\n
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.\u00a0\u2014 Florida A&M University (FAMU) hosted its annual Career & Internship Expo last week
\n with some enhancements and returning companies eager to experience Rattler pride.
\n Suits were pressed, r\u00e9sum\u00e9s were printed, and confidence filled the Al Lawson Center.<\/p>\n
For many FAMU students, it\u2019s not whether they want a career, but how to land one.
\n And for one afternoon, a handshake had the potential to lead to a job offer or spark
\n a conversation into an internship.<\/p>\n
This year, several notable additions were introduced, including a student lounge where
\n attendees could grab a quick breakfast to refuel before engaging with employers.<\/p>\n
Director of the Career and Professional Development Center Tamara K. Taylor said the addition was an important enhancement to this year\u2019s Spring Career Expo.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe know students often skip breakfast and lunch to come to the expo; we just wanted
\n to give them a little extra protein to help them stay fueled and hydrated while they\u2019re
\n speaking with employers,\u201d Taylor said.<\/p>\n
A Florida A&M University student connects with a recruiter during a networking opportunity,
\n exchanging a handshake that could mark the beginning of a future career path. (Photo
\n Courtesy of FAMU)<\/p>\n
Many familiar companies returned, including Johnson & Johnson, DaVita and Fidelity,
\n along with numerous FAMU alumni who came back to recruit students.<\/p>\n
Cintas, a leading U.S. business service provider, was among them, represented by Ceasar Mackee, a FAMU alumnus who graduated in Fall 2024. Like many graduates, Mackee entered a
\n management training program with Cintas after completing his degree.<\/p>\n
\u201cI started out as an intern, diving straight into Cintas\u2019 full-time rotational crash
\n course management classes,\u201d Mackee said. \u201cFAMU\u2019s rigorous (academic) work really prepared
\n me for my internship. From professional development to elevator pitches, I started
\n to doubt what all of this was for until I entered my internship with Cintas.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mackee shared that everything he learned since a FAMU freshman helped him standout
\n during his internship.<\/p>\n
\u201cEverything I did as an intern prepared me for my full-time role now,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Now returning as a recruiter, Mackee is helping lead Cintas back to FAMU.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is a lot of potential here at FAMU,\u201d he said. \u201cThe way they prepare students
\n in professionalism, I don\u2019t think anywhere can compete with that. The amount of effort
\n FAMU puts into their students always produces top-tier talent, which is why I encourage
\n my team to return.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cintas was not the only alumni-led organization that returned to \u201cthe Hill.\u201d Lt. Cmdr. Brianna Vegas, with the U.S. Coast Guard, a FAMU alumna and returning representative, also shared
\n why the university remains a key recruitment destination.<\/p>\n
\u201cSome of my colleagues and I attended FAMU, so it\u2019s always nice to come back here
\n as recruiting ambassadors,\u201d Vegas said. \u201cWe joined the Coast Guard through CSPI (College
\n Student Pre-Commissioning Initiative), which allowed us to enter as sophomores and
\n juniors, build our educational foundation alongside Coast Guard training and become
\n officers.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1024x768_CAREERFAIR263.jpg\")
A recruiter engages with Florida A&M University students during a career fair, offering
\n insights and opportunities as students present themselves and explore potential career
\n paths. (Photo Courtesy of FAMU)<\/p>\n
Vegas explained that Coast Guard supported her education, allowing her to focus on
\n her academics and ultimately advance into a role supervising logistics and finance.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt absolutely is the caring with excellence that FAMU provides to its students each
\n and every time that keeps us coming back.\u201d<\/p>\n
Students in attendance also recognized the value of showing up and making connections
\n in person. Cornelius Pace, an architecture graduate student from Tallahassee, Florida, emphasized the importance
\n of being present at the expo.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think it is very high-quality companies here,\u201d he said. \u201cYou didn\u2019t see them all
\n on the website for Handshake, but a lot more actually showed up. It\u2019s very important
\n to actually show up and see who\u2019s here.\u201d<\/p>\n
As he prepares to graduate in May, Pace said attending the expo is critical to positioning
\n himself for the next step in his career.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s very important for me, just so I can have my options open and see who\u2019s hiring
\n and who needs my skills,\u201d he said. \u201cThat way I can apply my best skills to the best
\n place possible.<\/p>\n
Pace left the expo with three top employers in mind and plans to begin applying and
\n moving through the interview process.<\/p>\n
For one afternoon, r\u00e9sum\u00e9s became introductions, conversations became connections,
\n and opportunities felt closer than ever.<\/p>\n
As employers packed up and students exited the Al Lawson Center, one thing remained
\n clear: FAMU continues to prepare its Rattlers not just for jobs, but for lasting careers.<\/p>\n
Media Contact:<\/p>\n
Ashley Flete
Senior Communications Specialist\u00a0
ashley1.flete@famu.edu<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n