Old Dominion University’s College of Sciences held their third annual Environmental Career Fair on Tuesday, November 14. This fair was targeted and developed for ODU undergraduate students majoring in Biological Sciences, Chemistry and Ocean & Earth Sciences. The purpose was for Monarchs to make meaningful connections with industry professionals.

Industry professionals from several local and regional companies and organizations had in-depth conversations with Monarchs in this narrow-focused career fair.

More than 90 Monarchs attended the fair held at the Newport News/Hampton Room in the Webb Center from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. There were representatives from 10 environmental companies who talked to students about internships, jobs and gave professional advice.

“I thought the career fair was a terrific event - full of engaged, inquisitive and passionate students seeking opportunities in the environmental arena," said Myles A. Pocta, president of MAP Environmental Inc. and ODU Ocean & Earth Sciences alumnus. Pocta is also a College of Sciences advisory board member and was instrumental in helping to plan the first year’s event in 2022 and has been working on developing ways for ODU alumni to connect with current Monarchs.

College of Sciences Associate Dean Joshua Wallach said: “The level of engagement that occurred between the students and the representatives was outstanding. There were many deep conversations taking place throughout the fair, and I appreciate the time the representatives gave to each student to discuss career pathways.”

“I loved attending the Environmental Career Fair,” said Zlatka M Rebolledo Sánchez, Ecological Sciences Ph.D. candidate at ODU. “It was a great networking opportunity and showed me options for my future that I had not considered before. Thank you for organizing this, and please keep doing this important and engaging event that helps us improve our professional development skills.”

Representatives from the various organizations all commented on coming back to ODU to share information and meet with more Monarchs.

“The Environmental Career Fair was a wonderful opportunity to build connections with ODU students,” said Jaye Hughes, human resources manager at The Elizabeth River Project. “The turnout was impressive - I was interacting non-stop with students for hours so it was an awesome chance to network, share our mission, and connect students to future career options that align with their passions and studies.”

The full list of organizations that were present at the Environmental Career Fair were:

  • City of Chesapeake
  • Elizabeth River Project
  • Hampton Roads Sanitation District (HRSD)
  • Institute for Coastal Adaptation and Resilience (ICAR)
  • MAP Environmental Inc.
  • Norfolk Botanical Garden
  • Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center
  • Virginia Zoo
  • Wetlands Studies & Solutions, Inc.
  • ODU Blackwater Ecological Preserve (Biological Sciences Department)