色色研究所

On November 12, 2025, the Patel College of Global Sustainability hosted the second university-wide Sustainability Career Fair & Expo, in collaboration with USF鈥檚 Center for Career & Professional Development. Building on the success of the inaugural April event - which drew strong attendance from more than seven colleges and connected participants with nearly 20 leading industry partners. The fair once again served as a pivotal opportunity for sustainability-focused students across campus to secure a sustainability role.

A gateway to Sustainability Careers

The Sustainability Career Fair & Expo offered an exciting opportunity for students and alumni from all majors to connect directly with employers committed to creating a more sustainable future. Whether attendees were searching for full-time roles, internships, or simply exploring what a career in sustainability could look like, the fair brought together a diverse lineup of organizations ready to engage with emerging talent. It also provided a valuable chance to learn about the Patel College's graduate and professional programs as well as what career resources are available to 色色研究所 students.

What set this year鈥檚 fair apart was its intentional focus on real, actionable career pathways. Instead of a general networking event, the Expo emphasized opportunities in sustainability, environmental protection, climate action, and green innovation - fields that continue growing in relevance and impact.

The event was hosted inside the Patel College of Global Sustainability building, where the main floor was transformed into a lively networking space. The atmosphere buzzed with conversation as students moved from booth to booth, engaging with employers that spanned global corporations, local nonprofits, and government offices.

Bigger and Better Than Ever

The Fall 2025 Sustainability Career Fair & Expo marked a significant milestone in its continued growth and impact. While last year鈥檚 inaugural event successfully drew over 100 attendees from more than seven colleges and showcased 17 industry-leading partners, this year鈥檚 fair expanded even further.

The event gathered 22 partners and students across eight colleges. It also welcomed 105 attendees, reflecting a steadily increasing interest in sustainability-focused career pathways across the university. The Patel College of Global Sustainability once again served as an ideal venue, with its main floor transformed into a dynamic space for networking, career exploration, and professional engagement.

Martha Usta, a graduate student in the M.S. in Global Sustainability program with a concentration in Sustainable Energy, praised this year鈥檚 Sustainability Career Fair for its strong organization and meaningful growth. Reflecting on her experience, she shared, 鈥淚t was a very well-rounded fair with many employers, and I especially want to highlight the positive growth compared to last semester鈥檚 fair, particularly in the variety of organizations and the opportunities offered.鈥� She also expressed her appreciation to the Patel College team and the organizers for creating an event that truly supports students in exploring their career paths.

Companies in attendance included:

From Student to Employer: A Full-Circle Success Story

One of the most inspiring moments of this year鈥檚 Sustainability Career Fair came from a current Patel College student who attended not as an prospective employee, but as an employer. Lazaro Vilches Cabrera detailed his full-circle journey shaped by preparation, purpose, and pride. Reflecting on his experience, he emphasized the importance of intentional planning: 鈥淏efore the career fair, the most important thing for a student is preparation. That鈥檚 exactly what I did. I reviewed every company that was going to attend, and I prepared my elevator pitch specifically for Matcon.鈥�

His strategy paid off. Drawn to Matcon鈥檚 mission and values, they recognized early on that the company aligned perfectly with their goals. 鈥淢atcon is not only a General Contractor that builds hospitals and schools 鈥� the company is also deeply involved in sustainability and has a solar division, which I now have the honor to lead.鈥� Achieving that milestone was the result of steady commitment: 鈥淣o task is too big when you have the willingness to learn and the discipline to do things the right way.鈥�

Returning to the Patel College as an employer was a rewarding experience for him. Having once stood on the student side of the table, he now sees the event with new appreciation. 鈥淐oming back to campus this time as an employer recruiting interns was an incredible experience. It was inspiring to see so many students with curiosity, motivation, and the desire to contribute.鈥�

I am proud of the Patel College and the students it is shaping. I鈥檓 grateful to be part of this community 鈥� and always, Go Bulls!

Lazaro Vilches Cabrera

Student Testimonials

Students attending this year鈥檚 Sustainability Career Fair & Expo shared positive feedback about the experience and the opportunities it provided. One attendee reflected on the thoughtful layout and welcoming atmosphere, noting, 鈥淚 thought the career fair was very well organized, and the vendors were set up perfectly for the space in the lobby. There was a good turnout of students, and the vendors were very friendly and engaging.鈥� They also emphasized the relevance of the opportunities presented: 鈥淭here were plenty of internship and job openings, especially relating to policy and resource management.鈥�

Even in the short time I was there, the Career Fair & Expo stood out as a well-organized, professional event. From reconnecting with partners at the Homegrown Hillsborough booth to watching fellow students excitedly engage with potential employers, it was clear the event created real opportunities for networking, learning, and career development.

Miguel Maysonet