Written by Esther Ouyang ’26
On Tuesday, September 16th, LMU’s Career and Professional Development (CPD) Office hosted its Fall 2025 Career and Graduate School Expo, bringing together more than 300 students and alumni with nearly 100 employers and graduate programs. The event created an energetic atmosphere where Lions could explore opportunities across industries and fields, make professional connections, and take the next step in their career and academic journeys.
Employers who attended this event included Cosm, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), SixT, and Moog, alongside other companies from various sectors, offering a diverse range of possibilities for students and alumni interested in internships, full-time positions, and graduate programs. “It’s a very good practice opportunity,” said Christy Kemp, a representative from Cosm Inc., when she was interviewed to share her perspective about the Expo. Unlike students who attended the Expo for the first time might think, employers are more eager to see students at their tables and talking to them, even if students (and alumni) might feel they are not ready. There were candies, stickers, stationery, and other company merchandise available on the desks for students who dropped by to pick up, which would naturally segue into connecting with the employers.
“It’s a great shopping opportunity,” said Chris Yco, a representative of the graduate program from the University of Southern California, Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work. The Fall 2025 Expo also featured representatives from over 45 graduate school programs who were eager to answer questions from LMU students and alumni about pursuing a higher academic degree. Beyond professional opportunities, the Expo also highlighted pathways to advanced education, giving students and alumni the chance to connect directly with graduate schools before reflecting on their experiences navigating the event.
From a participant’s perspective, attending an expo can be challenging. “It’s overwhelming,” said Makayla Martinez, an LMU student who attended the Expo for the first time. “We are feeling a bit behind… when we get here, everybody is giving out their resumes…” Meanwhile, students who attended similar events before shared their confidence and great experience at the Expo. “I had a great experience at the Expo today. I was able to talk with people from different industries and learn about [some] graduate programs [such as] USC Viterbi,” said Lara Yuan, a junior from the College of Business Administration.
Leading up to the Expo, CPD provided students with resources, including coaching appointments and resume workshops, to help them better understand their skills and experiences. This preparation paid off, as students arrived ready to engage in meaningful conversations and make the most of the event in a professional and enthusiastic manner. If you missed this Career Expo, there are more chances ahead. LMU Career and Professional Development will host its Casual Career Conversations on November 5th during Wellness Wednesday. Whether preparing application materials or practicing for interviews, Career and Professional Development is here to support Lions at every step of their professional journey.
