“We’re Hiring,” “We’ve Been Waiting For You” and “What’s Next?” were signs greeting students from all classes and academic majors seeking full-time, internship, and co-op work opportunities from companies attending the Winter Career Fair. This was the second of three events organized by the Office of Career Services and Employer Relations to help match corporate recruiters from throughout the country with students having career interests in science, engineering, and mathematics.

And the demand continues to be high for these students.

“Rose-Hulman students have what we’re seeking in prospective employees: They’re highly motivated, have a strong skillset and work ethic, can solve a multitude of problems, and come from an excellent environment – with quality faculty, strong hands-on academic experiences, and top-notch facilities,” said John Bing, a former engineer who is a lead recruiter for the Naval Surface Warfare Center’s division in Crane, Indiana. The high tech military installation has consistently sought students for a variety of work opportunities – from internships to entry-level positions. “We have had great experiences with Rose-Hulman students and graduates and keep coming back for more.”

He isn’t alone. OrthoWorx, an initiative formed in 2009 to fill critical voids in Indiana’s orthopedic industry, is seeking students with backgrounds in biomedical engineering, biomechanics, and mechanical engineering for positions in the growing med-tech industry.

“The opportunities are immense. They are rewarding professionally and personally, with strong lifelong careers,” said Allyn Decker, vice president of OrthoWorx’s operations and engagement office. “We’re looking to attract Rose-Hulman students who can help sustain Indiana as the orthopedic capital of the world.”

Nearby were recruiters from Steel Dynamics, GE Appliances, Epic, North American Lighting, and Motorola Solutions – among a long list of companies that have been actively seeking students this school year.

Approximately 40 percent of Rose-Hulman’s graduates for the Class of 2025 (one of the Institute’s largest graduating classes) have already accepted job offers from companies that recruited on campus this fall or after completing work experiences during past internships and co-ops. Other students are still contemplating job offers, will be making plant trips and off-campus interviews later this winter/early spring, and will have follow-up interviews after making contacts at the Winter Career Fair.

“There’s positive activity happening for our students. The demand has been extremely high in some academic areas, while students in other areas are going to have to be more patient. That’s the case every year,” remarked Scott Tieken, director of career services and employer relations. 

Junior electrical engineering major Catherine Hodge accepted her “dream” internship with Eli Lilly and Company after meeting with recruiters at the Fall Career Fair. This will supplement previous work experiences with Allison Transmission (following her freshman year) and Glassboard Product Development (last summer). She is hoping for a career in project management.

“I’m an Indiana girl (from Greencastle) and Eli Lilly has always been my ideal job destination, because I want to be in a job that helps people by developing medicines and other products,” Hodge said. “The opportunities that I have gained at Rose-Hulman, along with past work experiences, have me ready for this next step. Rose-Hulman has provided several intellectual challenges that have pushed me to become better as a person and future engineer. It’s a special place that provides so many great opportunities.”

Meanwhile, junior mechanical engineering student Jonathon Stadler is preparing to spend his third straight summer as an intern with Steel Dynamics’ facility in Pittsboro, Indiana.

“I have learned so much from the each of the past two summers and am really looking forward to even more opportunities this summer. I like the company and the people at the plant. They are investing in my career growth and have provided great opportunities to expand my skills,” said Stadler.

The Wall Street Journal has recognized Rose-Hulman in the  top 10 nationally for career preparation and as a recommended college by current and recent alumni. The Princeton Review’s 2025 Best 390 Colleges guide gave the college  top-20 rankings for internships, career services, and career placement – key elements contributing to Rose-Hulman’s continued strong return on investment. As an institution, Rose-Hulman ranked  No. 1 in the nation for undergraduate engineering education for the 26 ^th consecutive year by U.S. News & World Report.

Rose-Hulman’s deadline to apply for the 2025-26 academic year is February 1. Apply at  www.rose-hulman.edu/apply.