Last week, the UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management was abuzz with excitement and opportunity as it hosted the “Rosen Records Goes Platinum” Career Fair on March 13, 2024. The event, which ran from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., welcomed over 100 employers and was open to all UCF students and alumni, setting the stage for a memorable journey through “20 Years of Sound-Sational Memories.”

Celebrating two decades since the opening of Rosen College’s Universal Boulevard campus, this year’s music-themed career fair not only commemorated the iconic hits from the music industry but also paid homage to the college’s 20th anniversary. Harris Rosen, the college’s namesake and primary benefactor, shared his pride and amazement at the college’s rapid rise to prominence, stating, “Twenty years! Amazing. I am so very proud of how far the college has come in such a short amount of time.”

Under the guidance of Event Operations instructor Steven Brinkman, juniors and seniors faced the rewarding challenge of planning, designing, and executing the career fair. This unique course offers them a real-world experience in event management, covering aspects such as marketing, operations, décor, and food and beverage. Brinkman expressed his excitement for the semester’s career fair, highlighting it as an “amazing celebration of our college’s 20th anniversary and a testament to our students’ creativity and innovation.”

The fair proved to be a fertile ground for networking and interviewing, providing students across various fields—including hotel management, event management, entertainment, travel, restaurants, theme parks and attractions, and healthcare—with invaluable opportunities to connect with industry leaders. Among the notable participants were Universal Orlando Resort, the Walt Disney Company, Encore, Freeman, the Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Association (CFHLA), Rosen Hotels & Resorts, Four Seasons, and Marriott Vacations Worldwide, to name just a few.

Jennifer Sobrinho, a Student Event Lead, promised attendees an immersive experience and a nostalgic journey through the college’s history, and the event did not disappoint. Giovanna Gorra, a recruiter for one of the event sponsors, Marriott Vacations Worldwide, and UCF Rosen College alumna, shared, “Having attended as a student, I understand the effort these students put into making a lasting impression. It’s exhilarating to connect with fellow recruiters who are also alumni, leveraging our shared experiences to enhance the career fair experience for everyone.”

The Career Fair also offered on-site interview opportunities for students, making it a crucial step for many in starting or advancing their careers. Attendees were advised to arrive equipped with their resumes and dressed in professional attire, and our students left an impressive footprint.

As the dust settles on this landmark event, it’s clear that the “Rosen Records Goes Platinum” Career Fair was more than just a career fair; it was a celebration of 20 years of excellence, innovation, and community at the UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management. Students, alumni, and employers alike are already looking forward to what the next 20 years will bring.

For a visual journey through the highlights of the “Rosen Records Goes Platinum” Career Fair, explore our photo gallery at UCF Rosen College Gallery.