The University of Toledo Engineering Career Development Center will host the Spring 2019 Engineering Career Expo from noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 27 in the Thompson Student Union Auditorium.

“This year continues to mark a milestone for the center: celebrating 20 years of placing more than 20,000 engineering co-ops,” Angie Gorny, director of the Engineering Career Development Center, said.

More than 120 companies from across the United States and 700 engineering students, graduates and alumni will participate. Companies scheduled to have representatives on campus include Cooper Tire & Rubber Co., Dana Inc., GEM Inc., Johnson & Johnson — DePuy Synthes, GE Appliances, Honda, Matrix Service Co., Marathon Petroleum Corp., Owens Corning, Owens-Illinois Inc., PCC Airfoils, SSOE Group, and North Star Bluescope Steel LLC.

“This event is a dynamic networking and hiring experience for students to connect with companies seeking the talent they need for success,” Gorny said. “The expo is exclusive to College of Engineering students who are enrolled in the mandatory co-op program, as well as College of Engineering alumni searching for full-time opportunities.”

Employers are seeking undergraduate students to participate in engineering co-op assignments, as well as their leadership development programs, along with seniors and graduates for full-time employment.

“The current job outlook for engineering students at The University of Toledo Engineering College is certainly bright as indicated by the record number of students attending the college’s career expos,” Gorny said. “This reflects very positively on the quality of the University’s engineering program and its students. It also demonstrates the vital and mutually beneficial partnership they have with industry participants.”

The undergraduate mandatory co-op program is one of only eight mandatory engineering co-op programs in the country.

“Many students indicate that the co-op training is the reason they attend the College of Engineering at The University of Toledo,” Gorny said. “Students experience one full year of professional engineering experience before they graduate, and they feel confident seeking full-time employment upon graduation. Co-op businesses are able to work with these students and determine how the student fits within their organization.  It’s a win-win situation for both students and the companies who hire them.”