The UT Austin School of Nursing hosted its first fall career fair Friday, giving students a chance to explore what comes next.
For Ella Haydon of Austin, an S2 student who graduates in December, the timing couldn’t be better. She and other nursing students were able to meet with 20 employers and recruiters.
“It’s just nice to be able to ask someone face-to-face about their program,” said Haydon, who wants to be an ICU nurse. “Websites have some basic information, but it’s better to ask individuals questions like, ‘Why should I be a part of this program?’”
Yaritza Estrada, who organized the event with fellow career coach Lizzy Coleman and Associate Dean for Student Services Vinh Nguyen, said roughly 175 students attended the event.
“The School of Nursing decided to expand career opportunities for its students,” Estrada said. “We strive to give our students every opportunity. Anyone who attends has the opportunity to apply.”
Estrada said about 64% of School of Nursing graduates move on to acute care roles, which explains the hospital systems’ presence.
The School’s reputation for providing a quality education is such that recruiters were eager to meet the students and sell them on their program.
Sibel Emekli, representing UTHealth Houston, encouraged students to continue their education at the McWilliams School of Biomedical Informatics.
“I’m here telling them to continue school,” Emekli said with a chuckle. “One thing about UT Austin students, this is a difficult school to get into, so they’re already prepared for what rigor looks like just by being here.”
Abigail Cabaro, a medical officer recruiter for the U.S. Navy, said students don’t always consider military service as a career option, but that the Navy’s Nurse Candidate Program might change their mind. Benefits include a substantial signing bonus to help with tuition and living expenses, as well as a $1,000 monthly stipend.
“We like to take this opportunity to tell them what the Navy has to offer,” she said.
John Farias of San Rafael Healthcare Inc., said several UT Austin graduates already work for his company, which just opened an Austin branch in the last six months.
“It’s nice to get the chance to chat with students,” said Farias, whose company specializes in one-on-one pediatric home health care. “I work with a lot of former UT Austin students, and they’re all very professional. They have a good foundation.”
Mary Hoang, who graduates in spring 2027, said it isn’t too early to start the job hunt.
“I’m exploring my options to see what’s available in nursing,” said Hoang of Austin, who wants to work in an adult ER or in critical care. “This gives us a step up in trying to find a job. It can be scary trying to find a job because you don’t know where to start.”
Explore Career Success at the UT Austin School of Nursing.
Fall 2026 Career Fair in Action
