The Cranbrook Network in Action at the CKAA Career Fair

The CKAA Career Fair once again brought alumni and students together for an evening of direct, thoughtful conversation. Juniors and seniors arrived prepared, ready with questions, and eager to learn from those willing to share real experiences from their professional lives.

More than 70 career mentors met with over 200 students throughout the evening. With 246 students preregistered—more than 60 higher than any previous year—and additional walk-ins, turnout was the strongest yet. But what stood out most was not the size of the crowd, but the quality of the engagement. Students came ready to listen and to think seriously about what comes next.

Conversations ranged from choosing college majors and finding internships to navigating career pivots and long-term professional growth. Interviewing skills mini-workshops added another dimension, giving students practical tools they could immediately apply. Several mentors remarked afterward that students seemed especially prepared this year.

The Career Fair also serves as an early entry point into Senior May Project planning, helping students begin identifying opportunities and alumni connections that may shape their final weeks at Cranbrook.

The evening depends on many contributors. Career mentors form the core of the program, supported by registration volunteers, food service staff, event planning colleagues, Kingswood administrators, and the moving crew. It was also a pleasure to welcome back former faculty member Russ Conner, a familiar presence for alumni across many class years.

Following the fair, many mentors continued conversations over informal networking, extending connections across graduating classes and industries.

For students beginning to consider life beyond Cranbrook, the Career Fair remains a meaningful introduction to the alumni network they will soon join.
For more photos of this and other alumni events, click here.
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