The 2024 Career Expo at Highmark Stadium is going to be the place to be for graduating high school students, college students, veterans, and other in-demand young professionals who are looking for new career opportunities in WNY.
This year’s Career Expo, hosted by local non-profit Be Your Own Hero (BYOH), is anticipated to be the biggest event to date, with over 1400 students attending. Adding to the momentum, the Buffalo Bills are now part of the support group that is helping to grow the Expo that services industries such as construction, manufacturing, transportation, hospitality, and technology.
“The Buffalo Bills are committed to supporting WNY and the efforts of BYOH in helping our youth with career exploration,” said Penny Semaia, the Vice President of Stadium Relations. “We are honored to be the presenting sponsor for this year’s Career Expo”.
Beyond the event, Be Your Own Hero offers career exploration programming in schools and smaller networking events and experiences to help students connect with employer partners.
A few of the 75+ employer partners that will be in attendance at the Expo, are as follows: Odoo, Gypsum Systems, Buffalo Bills, Montante Group, The Krog Group, Ellicott Development, SUNY Erie, Moog, Great Lakes Cheese, General Motors/ UAW, Sonwil Distributions, Seneca Gaming, Lawley Insurance, and M&T Bank.
According to BYOH, Western NY is projected to add about 17,000 jobs a year through 2024. Yet, 43 percent of employers say current talent shortages are affecting productivity.
Over the course of six years, this Career Expo has grown exponentially, making it one of the best opportunities to directly interact with a wealth of managers from some of WNY’s top companies.
“The growth of this event from 400 students to over 1400 students this year, is a clear indication that students are looking to connect with employers,” said Be Your Own Hero Executive Director, Matthew Cook. “Gen Z is looking for companies that will invest in their professional growth and in our community. Many young people are reconsidering the traditional 4-year college path and want to gain professional experience while they continue their education. This event will introduce them to the companies who are invested in them.”
The event runs Thursday, April 11 from 9am to 1pm, with 9am to 12:30pm reserved for participating high schools. From 1pm to 3pm, the event is open to any job seeker.
Check out the list of employer sponsors and attendees at: beyourownherous.org/partners
Lead image: Photo by Emmanuel Ikwuegbu
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