OSU graduates connect with employers at HireOklahoma career fair
Friday, May 22, 2026
Media Contact: Page Mindedahl | Communications Coordinator | 4059456733 | page.mindedahl@okstate.edu
Students, alumni and employers from across Oklahoma and Texas gathered Tuesday at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum for the HireOklahoma Multi-University Alumni Career Fair, a statewide networking event designed to connect graduates with employers actively hiring across a variety of industries.
The event, hosted in partnership with Oklahoma State University Career Services and Hire Talent, brought together more than 75 employers and hundreds of alumni, graduate students and soon-to-graduate seniors from universities across the state.
Held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the expo-style event gave attendees the opportunity to meet face-to-face with recruiters, learn about full-time openings and expand their professional networks. Organizers described the fair as one of Oklahoma’s largest collaborative alumni recruiting events.
“OSU Career Services supports students throughout their entire OSU experience by helping them develop skills, gain experiences and build connections that prepare them for meaningful and successful careers,” said Kellie Ebert, director of OSU Career Services.
For recent OSU graduate Jackson Adkins, the event represented an important first step into the workforce after earning his degree in mechanical engineering.
“I feel like it’s important to come to events like this because you get to see what opportunities are actually out there and make connections with people in your field,” Adkins said. “OSU did a great job preparing me for that through Career Services, resume workshops and opportunities to meet employers before graduation. It made the transition from college to finding a career feel a lot less overwhelming.”
Recruiters said career fairs like HireOklahoma are valuable for students and alumni at every stage of their professional journey.
Kara McCray, a case manager for CREOKS Health Services serving Oklahoma City Public Schools and Mid-Del Public Schools, encouraged attendees to remain open to new opportunities and career paths.
“You miss 100% of the chances you don’t take,” McCray said. “Everybody has room to grow and expand their skill set or interests. It’s OK to explore different opportunities and figure out what path is right for you.”
McCray said CREOKS is currently hiring for positions including case managers, therapists, behavioral health aides, peer supports and family supports. She emphasized the importance of compassion, teamwork and empathy when working with individuals and families.
“We want people-oriented individuals who care about serving others,” McCray said. “Everybody comes from different backgrounds and experiences, and everyone deserves support.”
The HireOklahoma Career Fair included employers from industries ranging from healthcare and engineering to business, education and public service. Organizers said the event aims to strengthen Oklahoma’s workforce pipeline while helping graduates launch or advance their careers.