UNF hosts top local business leaders at annual Employer Summit

The University of North Florida hosted its third annual UNF Employer Summit on July 30, bringing together over 100 representatives from 50 of its top employer partners in the greater Jacksonville area.

The event, organized by UNF's Career Services, aimed to collaborate with influential local companies, nonprofits, organizations and agencies to strengthen opportunities for UNF students to meet the talent needs in the region. Jacksonville is a major metro area home to many world-renowned businesses, including four Fortune 400 companies.

"UNF prides itself in being an economic engine for Northeast Florida and beyond, with exceptional employment opportunities for our Ospreys," said Scott Curry, senior director of Career Services. "The UNF Employer Summit underlines this important relationship to industry by bringing our top employer partners back to campus for a day to hear the latest trends, share their successes and learn about upcoming programs and opportunities in the new year."

Employers attended workshops facilitated by both JAXUSA and Coggin Executive Programs and joined moderated panels with topics on internship program development and talent-acquisition. These sessions allowed participants to learn from some of UNF's most successful recruiting partners and develop new strategies and grow their team with great UNF talent.

Alumni Greg Doyle ('15), corporate recruiter, and Marlie Clay ('23), AI specialist, represented their company Southeastern Grocers at this year's summit.

"Events like this give companies like ours an understanding of what's going on around Jacksonville and provide ideas for us to apply towards internships and hiring," said Doyle. "It offers face-to-face time that helps build relationships and connections, and if a company really connects with a student, they're more likely to keep them in mind."