Waynesburg University recently hosted its annual Criminal Justice Job and Internship Fair Wednesday, Oct. 26.
The event featured 44 local, state, federal, and private agencies and companies that offered positions ranging from policing to investigations to human resources administration.
The fair was open to students of all majors.
According to Adam Jack, chairperson of Department of Criminal Justice and Social Science and professor of criminal justice, the fair ties into the department’s emphasis on real-world education.
“Our criminal justice program is unique because we are very hands-on and [our faculty] are all from these agencies, whether it's Trooper Tim Gilbert from the Pennsylvania State Police or Mr. Tanda from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives,” Jack said.
He also shared that the feedback he consistently receives from events such as this is that Waynesburg students are extremely prepared for the workforce.
Representatives from outside agencies praised University students for their preparation and professionalism.
“Students were really professional and wanted to engage with us. At some events, you get people who just walk by and look at the table, but here, students really wanted to talk and ask questions,” Sara King, sergeant in the Arlington, Virginia Police Department, said.
King also noted the number of students that attended the event.
“This event has double the students we usually have at events. We’ve done about 30 events in two months and this is the largest number of students this year,” she added.
Jack said that he is proud of how Waynesburg students conduct themselves at this event.
“All of the positive feedback has been [about] the students’ demeanor and their preparedness and [their professionalism]. So, I'm really proud of all the students that showed up here today. Our students are taking what they’re taught and going out and talking to these different agencies,” he said.
Students who spoke to recruiters at the fair said that it gave them a great chance to expand their professional connections and supplement their coursework.
“I think it’s a great way to get a chance to network a bit. It lets us get out of the classroom and learn about potential career paths after we graduate,” Seth Robertson, a junior accounting major from Hookstown.
Other students said that representatives at the event were honest, open and helpful.
“There were such a variety of agencies here. I liked that there were people who had just graduated who could tell you what to expect from the field,” Bryn Hannah, a sophomore forensic science major from Royersford, said.
Participating Organizations
The Academy Schools
Allegheny County Adult Probation/Parole
Arlington County Police Department
Army ROTC
Chesterfield County Police
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
County of Greene Prison
Domestic Violence Services of Southwest Pennsylvania
Drug Enforcement Administration
Every Child, Inc.
FBI- Criminal Justice Information Services
FBI- Pittsburgh Field Office
FCC Hazelton
Greene County Sheriff’s Office
Holsinger, P.C.
Homeland Security Investigations
Justiceworks Youthcare
Landmark Event Staff
Mental Health Association
Nemacolin
Ocean City Police
Outside In
Pathways Human Resources
Pennsylvania Air National Guard
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission
Pennsylvania Game Commission
Pennsylvania State Police
PIAA
Renewal Inc.
Securitas Security Services USA, Inc.
Southwest Pennsylvania Human Services
Southwood Psychiatric Hospital
U.S. Postal Inspection Service
University of Pittsburgh Police
Washington County Adult Probation
Washington County Juvenile Probation
Waynesburg Borough Police
Waynesburg University Graduate Programs
