The Randall Student Center was full of conversations, handshakes, and new possibilities on October 7 as UMA hosted its Fall 2026 Job & Resource Fair. The event drew 110 job seekers, the largest attendance in the fair’s history, and connected them with 48 employers from across Maine.
UMA students and alumni joined more than 80 community members to explore openings in healthcare, government, finance, manufacturing, human services, and more. For many, the day moved quickly from introduction to opportunity. Before noon, one employer had already scheduled two interviews, and another left with five on the calendar.
Those early results point to a bigger picture. Of the employers polled after the event, 63% said they plan to hire candidates they met at the fair.
For some employers, the fair is a long-standing pipeline to UMA talent. Darryl Touchette of Kennebec Behavioral Health has attended four UMA fairs, and his organization regularly welcomes UMA students as interns in behavioral health, mental health, and social services.
“I like talking to UMA students because we get their perspective on what they’re looking for, and it gives us a chance to showcase what we might have for them,” Touchette said. “When we bring somebody on as an intern, we want to see if they’ll come back as an employee. I can think of two UMA students who have done that. They came to us as interns, and we turned it into full-time employment. That’s why I keep coming back.”
Madison Leeman, representing Kennebec Savings Bank for the second year, said the fair is about community connection. “I enjoy connecting with people in our community, learning about their goals, and helping them find opportunities that can support their careers and future.”
“Seeing interviews booked before lunch is exactly what this fair is for. Every connection made here is a step toward a new job for someone in our community and a filled role for a Maine employer.” said Haley Brown, UMA student services coordinator.
The fair reflects UMA’s commitment to transforming lives across Maine by opening doors to education, careers, and community. Free and open to the public, this event brings together students, alumni, career changers, and first-time job seekers alongside employers working to meet the state’s workforce needs.
The UMA Job & Resource Fair is presented through a partnership of the UMA Career Connections program and UMS TRANSFORMS Pathways to Careers, in collaboration with Maine CareerCenters. UMA now hosts the fair each fall and spring, so the next chance to connect is coming in Spring 2027 (date TBD).
Missed this one? It’s never too late to take your next step. UMA Career Connections offers résumé reviews and career support year-round. Email umacareer@maine.edu, or contact Haley Brown at hbrown120@maine.edu.