In today’s competitive engineering landscape, securing top talent requires more than just job postings and interviews, it demands proactive engagement, mentorship, and a commitment to professional development. BFW/Marcum understands this challenge and has taken a strategic approach in cultivating relationships with the next generation of engineers through on-campus events, school visits, and career fairs. By prioritizing meaningful engagement with students, BFW/Marcum not only strengthens its workforce but also contributes to the engineering profession’s future.
First Impressions Matter: BFW/Marcum’s Commitment to University Engagement
BFW/Marcum places a strong emphasis on people and company culture. According to Ben Stinnett, Director of Marketing & Community Engagement, the firm recognizes that “you only get one chance to make a first impression.” This philosophy is a driving force behind their commitment to university outreach.
“When it comes to entry-level engineers, our first point of contact is often on campus when we’re promoting our internship development program,” Stinnett explains. “From the beginning, we want to express that we value them and see great potential.”
Attending career fairs and engaging in on-campus events allows BFW/Marcum to collaborate directly with university faculty and administrators. These interactions provide valuable insights into student development, which helps shape the firm’s recruitment strategies, onboarding process, and benefits package to attract top talent.
Stinnett’s passion for university engagement is evident. As a former Director of Career Development, he understands the significance of bridging the gap between academic training and workplace expectations. “Universities have so much insight into student development, which lends itself to how the students will approach the workplace. That is valuable information that shapes how we approach internships, onboarding, and evaluating benefits that attract top talent,” he says.
Internships: More Than Just “Extra Hands”
While some companies view internships as temporary summer help, BFW/Marcum takes a different approach. Stinnett stresses that internships are not about having “extra hands in the summer” but rather about mentorship, leadership development, and professional experience.
“Our approach is to provide a great hands-on experience, invest in their leadership development, and get constant feedback,” he states. “Internships provide us a long interview of students. We see how they handle responsibility, work with our team, and their eagerness to learn. It’s also a chance for them to interview us, and we welcome that! They get a glimpse of our culture, what we value, and whether we are who we say we are.”
This method has led to increased numbers of returning interns and successful entry-level hires. Research supports the effectiveness of robust internship programs—according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), nearly 70% of interns receive a job offer from the company where they interned (source).
Creating a Pathway for the Future
BFW/Marcum’s commitment to professional development extends beyond internships. The firm launched its Internship Development Program last year, bringing 15 interns to the Paducah office to interact with one another, learn about BFW/Marcum’s culture, and launch their summer experience. The program included a mid-summer check-in where managers and interns were surveyed to assess their experience and explore shadowing opportunities with other service teams. It also featured a leadership development session at the end of the summer, designed to help interns refine their professional narratives and prepare for future careers. The program concluded with an evaluation process, where nearly every student rated their experience a perfect 5 out of 5.
“We ended the summer with leadership development, helped our students tell their stories, and said thank you,” Stinnett shares. “They contributed a great deal to our team, and the end-of-summer session allowed us to show our gratitude and vision cast for the future. We plan to build on that momentum this summer!”
This hands-on approach to mentorship and professional growth is essential for both students and the firm. According to a report by McKinsey & Company, 87% of companies say they experience a skills gap when hiring recent graduates, but structured internship programs can help bridge that divide (source).
Aligning Engagement with BFW/Marcum’s Core Values
BFW/Marcum understands that its success depends on its people. By prioritizing meaningful engagement with students, the firm ensures that future employees align with its culture and values. “Future employees are either going to be repelled or attracted by our culture. We hope we put our best foot forward,” Stinnett explains. “Career fairs provide us that opening to invite them into something special.”
He likens on-campus events to a front porch: “It gives you a chance to say hi, have light conversation, and get a snapshot of what you think the inside of the house looks like. An internship gives them a chance to step into the living room and build community.”
This philosophy resonates with industry trends. Studies show that 79% of students prioritize company culture when considering potential employers (source). By offering a welcoming and engaging environment, BFW/Marcum attracts top-tier talent and ensures its workforce remains strong for years to come.
Looking Ahead: Future Expansion of University Outreach
BFW/Marcum’s is taking its university engagement efforts to the next level. Thanks to the success of its Internship Development Program, the team is expanding its initiatives to better support future engineers. Plans are in the works to improve mentorship for interns and new engineers, build stronger connections with university career offices, and show up at more career fairs and campus events. By stepping up these efforts, BFW/Marcum is making sure students get real-world experience while also keeping a steady flow of talented professionals ready to join the team.
Investing in the Future of Engineering
BFW/Marcum’s engagement with universities and college students is more than just recruitment—it’s a strategic investment in the future of engineering. Through career fairs, internships, and mentorship programs, the firm provides students with valuable opportunities while ensuring that its team remains strong, innovative, and aligned with company values.
Recent Comments