Event Connects Colleges and Employers in Roanoke Region

Thanks to a connection from the Roanoke Regional Partnership, the Virginia Association of Colleges and Employers hosted its first employer event in Roanoke this week.

Representatives from Virginia colleges and universities were able to tour and form new relationships with regional businesses that are hiring college graduates.

The Virginia Association of Colleges and Employers hosts events throughout the state to connect higher education and businesses to cultivate a better relationship with the goal of strengthening the pipeline of college graduates into internships and jobs. Thanks to efforts from the Partnership, the organization hosted its first event in the Roanoke Region with visits to PowerSchool and AECOM.

The two-way conversation is a building block for recruiting talent to the region. Businesses were able to provide information about their job openings, benefit packages, and company culture. Colleges provided ways that employers can engage with students, provide meaningful internships programs, and hire students.

Erin Burcham, director of talent solutions for the Roanoke Regional Partnership, helped connect the organization, businesses, and colleges to bring this event to the area. She also spoke to the group about why young professionals should consider Roanoke after graduation and how students can get connected to the region.