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Sanford, N.C. — As Brittany Mellette walked up to Verizon’s booth at �ڰ�������’s Career Expo 2026, the company’s recruiter greeted her warmly.

“Hey, what are you here for?” she asked Mellette. “Are you looking for a new job?” 

Mellette, a Sanford resident, was among 540 people to attend the expo, held April 29 at the college. Those included job seekers taking part in an afternoon job fair as well as middle and high school students participating in a morning career exploration event. 

Career Expo 2026 drew employers from a wide range of fields, including healthcare, sales, customer service, nonprofits, government, and law enforcement. �ڰ������� staff and faculty also shared information about programs and services at the college.

With the job market now mostly online, Mellette found it refreshing to attend an event where she could meet people, shake hands, and put a face to a name. 

“Everybody is just so welcoming and so friendly,” she said. “Really eager to answer questions that I had regarding their company or their organization.” 

The annual spring event is timed shortly before graduation in May, with the needs of graduating students in mind. �ڰ�������’s National Manufacturing Day industry showcase, set this year for Oct. 2, is another major opportunity for community members and students to connect with area employers. 

Felicia Gilmore, �ڰ�������’s Career Center Coordinator, said the career center is available to provide career assistance throughout the year, for both students and members of the public. 

That includes conversations on topics like choosing a career, job hunting, interviewing, salaries, and salary negotiations. 

For more information on career resources or to book an appointment, visit .