Engagement and Student Success

Creating an inclusive workplace environment fosters innovation, enhances organizational reach, and attracts skilled professionals, ensuring sustainable growth and adaptability.

Attracting Students with Unique Perspectives

RIT’s Office of Career Services and Cooperative Education works to connect students with co-op and full-time opportunities at organizations that value representation and foster a sense of belonging. Through close collaboration with on-campus STEM clubs and organizations, we will tailor a recruitment strategy that aligns with your objectives for creating a collaborative workforce.

Interested in connecting with exceptional candidates from varied backgrounds? Take advantage of our tailored recruitment programs:

  • Attend the STEM Affinity Expo (fees apply)
  • Access the Resume Book (no fees)
  • Promote positions and information sessions to these groups via newsletter (no fees)

We are always happy to set up a phone/zoom conversation and discuss other options to address an employer’s hiring needs.

If you are interested in hiring RIT students, please contact the Assistant Director of Student Success Engagement Natasha House, at nmhoce@rit.edu.

STEM Affinity Expo

The STEM Affinity Expo brings together more than 20 of RIT’s special interest student groups and employers committed to recruiting students from varied backgrounds. Typically, the event lasts about two hours and allows students to talk with employers before the University-Wide Career Fair. Student groups set up tables and employers walk around and interact with students.

To add this event to your University-Wide Career Fair registration, please modify your registration in Career Connect or email ritcareerfair@rit.edu. 

If you have questions regarding the STEM Affinity Expo or recruiting these talented students, please get in touch with Natasha House at nmhoce@rit.edu.

360

Students attended in fall 2024 and spring 2025 combined

64

Employers attended in fall 2024 and spring 2025 combined

29%

Of students who attended participated in Interview Day with an employer that also attended the reception

Affinity Groups and Organizations

One of the most effective ways to directly reach students is to get involved with student groups and organizations. RIT has more than 20 career-related affinity organizations including:

Student Clubs and Organizations Travel Grant

Student groups can apply for Career Services’ travel grant to attend national conferences (e.g. NSBE Annual Convention, SHPE National Convention). This grant is designed to support student organizations in gaining valuable experiences, networking opportunities, and professional development.

The grant may be used to cover conference registration, travel, accommodation, and meal expenses. Students who apply must be in good standing with the university and members of an RIT-recognized student club or organization to apply. Applications must be submitted at least two months before the conference registration deadline. Grants will be awarded based on the number of applications and available funds.

Upon returning from the conference, students must share photos and a brief story about the conference experience and its benefits. This can be done by emailing careerservices@rit.edu or tagging Career Services (@RITCareersCoop) in a post on Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn. By sharing this content, students give RIT permission to use the provided information and photos for print and digital content, including web promotions and social media.

Apply for Student Club/Organization Travel Grant

Recruit Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Students

If you would like assistance recruiting deaf or hard-of-hearing students or alumni at RIT, you can work with the NTID Co-op and Career Center (NCCC) and learn more about its Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP).

Recruit Students with Disabilities

Career Services is dedicated to working closely with employers to effectively connect with this community. Interested in recruiting students with disabilities? Contact us at careerservices@rit.edu.

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) encourages a broad definition of disability:

“A physical or mental impairment or medical condition that substantially limits a major life activity or if you have a history or record of such an impairment or medical condition.” This includes but is not limited to blindness, deafness, cancer, diabetes, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and asthma.

Hiring within the disability community can benefit the new hire and the organization as a whole.

  • Increase organization retention
  • Tax and incentive benefits
  • Insight on a lucrative market

These benefits are also available to companies that hire people with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Employees with ASD offer:

  • High focus and reliability with tasks
  • Strong analytical skills, accuracy, and attention to detail
  • A diverse workplace that every employee can benefit from

If your organization is interested in recruiting students in this community, a support team is available. Career Services alongside the Spectrum Support Program can assist you in creating an inclusive work environment, including recruiting qualified candidates, hiring, training, and supporting employees with disabilities.

Neurodiverse Hiring Initiative was developed in partnership with Career Services to strengthen the graduation and employment outcomes of neurodiverse students. We connect our students with employers who are seeking to diversify their workforce.