By Blake Jackson
The University of Kentucky’s Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment will host the 2025 Kentucky Signature Industries Career Fair on September 25. Taking place from 1 to 4 p.m. ET at the Gatton Student Center, this annual event highlights three of Kentucky’s major industries: agribusiness, distillation, and equine.
Employer registration is currently open, with an early bird deadline set for August 25. This fair serves as a valuable networking opportunity for employers and students alike.
“This event will bring together employers from across three very connected industries, and I am excited to see how that opens doors of opportunities for our students,” said Savannah Robin, lecturer of career and professional development at Martin-Gatton CAFE and event co-organizer. “Participating in an event like this isn’t just about these businesses, companies or farms recruiting for open positions-it’s about building awareness and establishing long-lasting relationships with our students that can lead to employment in the future.”
Last year, more than 400 students from 75 academic programs at UK and six other universities attended. Seth DeBolt, director of UK’s James B. Beam Institute for Kentucky Spirits, added, “While we are committed year-round to connecting our students with employers, our Signature Industries Career Fair is the best way to create that bridge between them and employers.”
Originally launched as a standalone equine career fair in 2009, the event expanded in 2022 to include the distillation industry. This year, agribusiness joins the lineup, further broadening the career opportunities available.
“We’re excited to continue creating opportunities where our students can connect directly with industry leaders, explore diverse career paths in agribusiness and agricultural economics and gain real-world insight,” said Aslihan Spaulding, chair and professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics.
“Our representatives were pleasantly surprised at the networking opportunities to meet other industry professionals and pleased with the quality and quantity of young people in attendance," Anthony Koch, Hallway Feeds director of sales and marketing said. "The students were all prepared to have professional conversations about our company and available positions.”
Student registration begins August 1. For more details, visit https://students.ca.uky.edu/kentucky-signature-industries-career-fair.
Photo Credit: university-of-kentucky
Categories: Kentucky, Business