The Career Center will host its first-ever Diversity Employment Expo next month, with the aim of providing students a chance to network with alumni and employers. Known as Diversity E2, the expo includes a dinner, and will be Thursday, April 9, at the Marriott Hotel and Conference Center in uptown Normal.

“The goal of this event is to help remove the uncomfortable barriers of the job search and make it easy for students to connect with employers,” said Career Center Acting Director Pamela Cooper. “Students will be able to engage in casual conversation with employers and alumni about their careers, companies and the resources available to help them transition from college to career.”

The expo evolved from the Career Center’s Cultural Career Network (CCN), which allows students of diverse backgrounds to connect with Illinois State alumni and focus on career awareness and development. “The Career Center created the Diversity E2 to connect the CCN initiatives to a larger Career Center initiative to provide more quality opportunities for employers to connect with students,” said Career Center Associate Director for Student Relations Mike Minton. “This event provides a welcoming environment for students to ask questions they have about career topics that relate to their individual needs.”

This event is for students from diverse backgrounds only, though advisors, faculty and staff who have affiliations with diverse students or registered student organizations are encouraged to invite students to attend. Students can register for the Diversity Employment Expo at CareerCenter.IllinoisState.edu/DiversityE2.

For more information, contact the Career Center at (309) 438-2200.