Industry panels on AI, video production career pathways among new additions to week-long Career Conference
Menomonie, Wis. – Recruiters from hundreds of companies across the United States will travel to University of Wisconsin-Stout Polytechnic to interview students and alumni for co-ops, internships and post-graduation professional positions during the university’s four-day Career Conference Week.
More than 2,000 Blue Devils will connect with leading employers in engineering, packaging, plastics, design, hospitality and more at six industry-focused fairs from Monday, Sept. 21, to Thursday, Sept. 24, hosted by Career Services at the Memorial Student Center.
More than 125 Fortune 500 companies have hired UW-Stout Polytechnic graduates in the past five years. Some of these employers attending the conference include 3M, Boston Scientific, DR Horton, Fastenal, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Hilton, JLL, Northwestern Mutual Insurance, Parker Hannifin, Sanmina and Xcel Energy.
New this year is the addition of a Design Career Fair. “Our expanding strengths in the areas of 2D and 3D design, modeling, concept art, product and human-centered design, advertising and interactive design, naturally led to the inclusion of such a focused event,” said Career Services Director Bryan Barts. “With our graduates applying their skills across industries from medical devices, entertainment, consumer products and streaming media to manufacturing, technology and apparel design, we hope to build clear, intentional connections and career pathways between students and industry.”
Also new this year are two career education panels that support UW-Stout Polytechnic’s approach to career engagement: an AI in Careers panel with the university’s AI Fellows and a Video Production Career Pathway panel.
“These two distinct panels will showcase and include opportunities for students to learn from industry experts who will share topics and insights to assist them with career development, while making connections with alumni, new professionals, companies, and career pathways,” Barts said.
Students start with ‘strong fundamental foundation built’
Many of the recruiters attending the Career Conference represent businesses that have formed deeper connections with UW-Stout Polytechnic, including through the Career Services Partnership Program (CSPP).
CSPP partners are Aspirus Inc., Barry-Wehmiller Companies, Belmark, Inc., Blast Cleaning Technologies, ConAgra, CTech Manufacturing, EVCO Plastics, Fastenal, Greenheck Group, Heartland Business Systems, The John Roberts Company, Kwik Trip, Market & Johnson, Menards, Phillips-Medisize, Skyward, Sundt, United States Marines Corps, Wilderness Resort and Xcel Energy.
Belmark, Inc.
Belmark, Inc. has seen the fundamentals and concepts around graphics in the packaging industry remain consistent for quite some time. However, the rise of artificial intelligence will have an impact on the tools and automation capabilities that drive quality and efficiency.
“The willingness to embrace technology advancements is what will give people in our industry a competitive advantage. Custom AI-built solutions are at our fingertips, and prioritizing development will set companies and individuals apart from their competition over the next few years,” said Belmark Graphics Manager Brad Butkovich.
The UW-Stout Polytechnic students Butkovich has interacted with have a strong fundamental foundation built, he added. “Understanding the concepts around how graphics impacts production and relevant hands-on experience with our industry standard software gives any new employee a head start,” he said. “ I believe graphics’ role in the printing industry will evolve rapidly over the next few years. Mentally preparing students for constant change as they enter the workforce will be critical to their success. Individuals who can adapt and embrace change will rise to the top.”
Belmark, headquartered in De Pere, manufactures pressure-sensitive labels, flexible packaging and folding cartons for a broad range of industries, bringing customers the creativity, energy and problem-solving to help build their brands through innovative packaging solutions. UW-Stout Polytechnic packaging, graphic communications, graphic design, and risk management and safety majors are encouraged to talk to Belmark and other employers on the Tuesday of Career Conference Week.
Career Conference Week and additional recruitment events
Students and alumni are encouraged to attend any and all Career Conference days.
Monday: Computing: Cybersecurity and Information Technology
Tuesday morning: Packaging: Print, Production and Design
Tuesday afternoon: Engineering: Science and Sustainability
Wednesday: Construction: Design, Build, Manage
Thursday morning: Design: Art, Entertainment, Gaming and Media
Thursday afternoon: Management: Business, Wellness, Hospitality and Human Sciences
On top of Career Services’ biannual Career Conference Week, students are invited to join several more programs and events throughout the year, including the Built Environment Career Fair, Human Sciences Day, Government & Nonprofit Career Fair, Internship Draft Day and Art & Design Week.
The Spring 2027 Career Conference will be held Monday, Feb. 22, to Thursday, Feb. 25, 2027.
The Cooperative Education and Internship Program (CEIP) helps coordinate students’ required experiential learning components and builds partnerships between employers, students, and university faculty and staff. Nearly 1,000 students enroll each year in CEIP, completing hands-on co-ops and internships at more than 900 sites across the country – more than one-third of which lead to accepted job offers. Fully 99% of recent graduates were employed or furthering their education within six months of graduation, and 77.4% of spring 2026 graduates were hired prior to graduation.
More than 27,000 UW-Stout Polytechnic students have benefited from CEIP since its inception in 1982. The program received a Stewards of Place award from the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, “for its outstanding results and potential to influence and serve as a model for other institutions.”
UW-Stout Polytechnic, a member of the Universities of Wisconsin, focuses on applied learning, collaboration with business and industry, and career outcomes. Learn more via the FOCUS2030 strategic plan.
