Over forty Talladega College scholars traveled with the Office of Career Exploration and Professional Development to attend the 2024 HBCU Legacy Bowl Career Fair presented by Allstate and the New Orleans Saints. The highly anticipated event in New Orleans, Louisiana, on February 22-23, offered free admission to HBCU juniors, seniors, and recent graduates interested in exploring job opportunities.
Now the largest HBCU career fair in the country, the Legacy Bowl Career Fair serves as a collegiate platform for professional growth. By providing the opportunity for scholars to connect with some of the nation’s top employers, like the National Security Agency, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, and Blue Cross Blue Shield, career fair attendees were able to explore different sectors and gain valuable insights into emerging industry trends. Students also had the opportunity to interview with some of the participating employers, which resulted in fifteen Talladega College scholars receiving on-the-spot offers for internships or full-time employment.
A junior business major from Maraval, Trinidad and Tobago, Temesgn Tazera, felt a sense of self-satisfaction after applying tips from the Office of Career Exploration and Professional Development, affectionately known by students as “CareerLIFE”. Tazera has secured an internship opportunity from Molson Coors as an operations intern. “I felt rewarded when I got my internship acceptance. I felt good about working hard and following the guidance from CareerLIFE. I hope to learn how to work better in a more diverse workplace. Also, I want to gain real-life work experience and get a chance to practice what I’ve learned from my training with CareerLIFE,” Tazera said.
One of the most powerful aspects of the HBCU Legacy Bowl Career Fair is its ability to bridge divides and break down barriers. In a world where systemic inequalities persist, HBCUs have long served as engines of social mobility, providing pathways to success for students from diverse backgrounds.
Jason Wright, the first black NFL team president for the Washington Commanders, expressed the importance of career fairs targeted toward HBCU students during last year’s events.
“HBCUs have played a crucial role in the upward mobility of black America. It’s still the source of the black middle class and black economic power. So, this is an opportunity to level that playing field and give back to those who chose to go to HBCUs with their talent and invest in them in a way that’s important to the whole community.”
A 2020 study published by Dr. Kristina Peterson of Trevecca Nazarene University indicates that HBCU students who utilize career services during undergraduate matriculation will likely have a more positive outcome regarding career success. The study also highlights the importance of attending career fairs, like the HBCU Legacy Bowl Career Fair. Data from the research reveals that 11 of the 17 students from the study landed jobs from firms they had spoken with at a career fair.
Calvin Littlejohn, interim director of Career Exploration and Professional Development at Talladega College, dedicates his efforts to establishing partnerships between industry employers and institutions that do more than “scratch the surface.” He encourages every student to participate in the HBCU Legacy Bowl Career Fair.
“I truly believe this is an event students should attend every year. Students walk away with advanced knowledge of the industry, what skill sets to enhance while in college, and most importantly, students walk away with real full-time and internship offers from globally known organizations,” said Littlejohn.
Next year’s career fair is scheduled for February 20-21, 2025. To learn more about the HBCU Legacy Bowl Career Fair, visit www.hbculegacybowl.com/career-fair.
