New opportunity opened doors for networking, internships, and careers

Bethany Lutheran College students took part in a major regional career development opportunity this fall as they joined peers from seven colleges and universities at the Fall Career & Internship Expo—the largest event of its kind ever hosted in southern Minnesota.

The Expo took place on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at Myers Field House on the campus of Minnesota State University, Mankato, where more than 200 employers met with over 1,800 students to discuss full-time, part-time, and internship opportunities. The event was a true community effort, built through a partnership among MSU, Mankato, and participating colleges including Bethany Lutheran, Gustavus Adolphus, South Central, Riverland, Western Governors, Minnesota North, and Rasmussen University—alongside a wide range of employer partners.

This marked the first time Bethany students were eligible to attend the Expo, providing them with unprecedented access to regional and national employers.

Bethany’s Director of Career Services, Angie Phares, saw the new partnership as a valuable expansion of the College’s efforts to prepare students for life beyond the classroom.

We were thrilled that Bethany students could attend this event,” said Phares. “It expanded access to employers, opportunities, and real-world connections. It was a strong fit with our mission to help students pursue their callings with confidence and clarity—grounded in their academic training and faith.”

The Expo featured representatives from dozens of industries and offered students the chance to network not only with employers but also with faculty and staff from across the region. Organizers noted that employer booths filled well before the registration deadline, underscoring the strong demand for local talent.

This collaborative approach aimed to strengthen local career pathways and post-graduation retention in southern Minnesota by connecting students and employers early and often. A spring expo was already being planned at a smaller venue to keep the momentum going and deepen these relationships.

For Bethany students, participation in this regional initiative represented another step forward in ensuring that their education prepared them not only to think deeply and live faithfully—but also to lead confidently in their future vocations.

Students interested in future Career & Internship Expos are encouraged to contact the Career Services Office to learn how to prepare and register.