Bringing Students and Employers Together to Build and Broaden Career Paths for Neurodivergent Learners
Vermont Business Magazine Landmark College held its first Neuroinclusive Career Fair in late October as part of its commitment to supporting both employers and students who learn differently as they enter the workforce. While most career fairs simply connect potential employers with potential workers, the Landmark College Office of Career Connections takes a unique approach—supporting both sides of the employment equation to ensure that neurodiverse talent is put in a position to thrive.
The event featured 15 employees, including both organizations from the Connecticut River Valley region as well as nationwide companies such as EY Inc. Notable local employers included Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, Chroma Technology Corporation, Stratton Mountain Resort, and The Richards Group.
Prior to the career fair itself, employers had access to a training workshop on best practices in neuroinclusive hiring, onboarding, and management. With one-in-five Americans having a diagnosed learning difference, neuroinclusivity is a key component of how companies can improve retention and productivity. In a region such as Northern New England, with less job-seekers than job openings, this is especially vital for employers across industries.
Employers who attended the Career Fair also had the opportunity to meet with leaders of the STRIVE program, a National Science Foundation (NSF) funded project that aims to develop Southern Vermont’s STEM economy by forging partnerships between businesses, academic researchers, and students.
Following the workshops for employers, 183 Landmark College students attended the career fair to network and explore career options. This was over one-third of the Landmark College student body.
Kelvin Marcano, a computer science student at the College, said that the career “really allowed me to see exactly what specific jobs (employers) are looking for,” and that he gained “knowledge on what to improve on to land positions I want.”
Allison Smith of the Vermont Rural Water Association said that “I wish all schools prepared students to engage at career/job fairs like Landmark does. I was talking with a student the whole time, and the students were genuinely curious to learn about each of the employers at the fair.” Smith found that the students asked good questions and said that she was “very impressed with the resumes that were given to me, which often cited specific skills acquired at Landmark which I could translate directly to desirable skills in my sector.”
Senior Director of Career Connections Jan Coplan said that that the event was “a terrific opportunity for our students to explore careers in varied fields, including healthcare, technology, finance, and public service.” Speaking to the value of the employer workshop, Coplan said that “our region, and our students, are fortunate to benefit from corporate leaders who understand the value of neuroinclusivity.”
Landmark College | Putney, Vermont landmark.edu
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