San Joaquin Delta College’s annual Spring Job and Internship to connect students with local employers, drawing more than 60 companies and hundreds of attendees to Marcopulos Gym on April 17.
Organized by Delta’s Workforce Development Center in collaboration with San Joaquin County WorkNet, the event offered students and community members a valuable opportunity to explore careers, internships and build professional networks.
“It was a great success,” said Michelle Castanon, the college’s program manager and lead event coordinator. “Employers were genuinely excited to meet our students. One recruiter told me they had around 90 students stop by their booth, says a lot about the turnout and the interest.”
Employers represented a wide range of industries from healthcare and manufacturing to education and public service mirroring the college’s academic and career education programs. This strategic alignment allowed students to explore part-time and full-time positions and internships related to their fields of study.
“We always want to create a natural pipeline for our students,” Castanon said. “Whether they’re preparing to graduate or just starting out, it’s about helping them take what they’re learning in the classroom and translate it into real world experience.”
To support student readiness, the college hosted year-round professional development workshops, covering resume writing, cover letters, and mock interviews. This year also saw the launch of Delta’s Virtual Career Center (VCC), an online AI-driven platform that helps students build résumés, practice interviews, and analyze labor market trends. It’s available in my Delta on the home page in between campus permit and pantrysoft.
“The VCC is a great tool,” Castanon said. “It even allows students to record themselves answering common interview questions and get feedback based on their performance and the skills listed on their résumés. It is all about building confidence and competence.”
Early exposure to career options is critical, Castanon said, as it empowers students to make decisions about their academic and professional paths.
“Not everyone’s journey is the same. It is our job to help them discover what fits, what fuels their goals, and how to get there,” said Castanon.
Building relationships with employers is key to the event’s continued success. Many of the participating companies are long-time partners of the college, often serving on advisory boards or hosting student interns through Delta’s Excel Internship and apprenticeship programs.
“We rely on our industry partners to tell us what’s changing in their fields—new tools, technologies, or certifications,” Castanon said. “Their input helps us ensure our students are learning what they actually need to be competitive.”
One of the highlights this year was a visit from U.S. Congressman Josh Harder who helped open the event. His office has supported Delta College students through internship placements and workforce development initiatives.
“It was great to have Congressman Harder here,” Castanon said. “It really shows our students that leaders in our community are invested in their futures.”
Even after the fair ended, students continued filtering in to connect with employers. “We had people arriving well past the scheduled time,” Castanon said. “The energy didn’t slow down, it was non-stop, and that’s exactly what we love to see.”
Delta Superintendent President Lisa Aguilera Lawrenson was also in attendance.
“It was great to see all the students that came interacting with the table, by letting industry meet with students all around police, security, construction and more. ” said Lawrenson.
For students who could not attend, Castanon emphasized that the Workforce Development Center remains a year-round resource. “We’re constantly in touch with employers, and we’re here to help students find those opportunities,” she said.
“It is incredibly fulfilling to see students grow through these connections,” said Castanon. “Whether they discover a new passion or realize a certain path is not for them, that kind of insight is invaluable.”
