Your career, your way, OHIO hosts Kroger for spotlight day

More than 70 percent of Ohio University students stay in the state after graduation. This is great news for the 24 Fortune500 companies that call Ohio home. 

On Oct. 25, 2023, one of those Fortune500 companies, Kroger, traveled to Athens with 23 employees to talk with students about their career paths during a deconstructed career fair model. Emily Roth, a 2013 early childhood education major, came back to OHIO representing the Columbus Division of Kroger human resources.

“As someone who came from education initially, then shifted to Kroger for my career, I enjoy sharing with students that it’s okay to explore different careers and that they can leverage their degree and experience across many different lines of businesses and industries,” she said.

Roth also mentioned that connecting with students is helpful for her to observe trends with the next generation so Kroger can learn and grow.

Recruiters set up tables in four buildings at Ohio University representing lines of business from pharmacy and dietetics to supply chain and aviation. Students may think of Kroger as simply a grocery store, but their internship and full-time job opportunities span almost every major at Ohio University.

Luke Edwards, associate director of career management and external relations in the College of Business Academic Achievement and Career Services department, said, “Having a company like Kroger in so many colleges across campus was awesome. A partnership with any company is great, but it’s so much more special when it’s headquartered in Ohio. Continuing to strengthen relationships in this way is only going to benefit everyone involved. More incredible opportunities for OHIO students, and more incredible OHIO students for these opportunities.”

The Center for Advising, Career, and Experiential Learning will still offer its traditional career fair on Feb. 21, in the Ping Recreation Center but the organizers hope to provide students with more targeted events like this throughout the year.

Bringing the networking opportunities with a valued partner such as Kroger to students in the classroom buildings where they spend most of their time throughout the day proved beneficial for all.

You can view the full list of 2024 spring career events at www.ohio.edu/acel/career/student-resources/student-career-fairs-events.