Poole Senior Credits Career Fair for Full-Time Job Offer After Graduation

Garrett Gough, a senior at NC State’s Poole College of Management, is poised to graduate in May 2025 with a degree in Business Administration, concentrating in Finance. Gough credits his upcoming job at Bank of America to one pivotal resource offered by Poole — its Career Fair. He secured both his internships, and ultimately his full-time position, upon graduation by leveraging the connections he made at the college’s bi-annual event. 

Gough’s decision to pursue finance wasn’t set in stone when he first entered Poole. “I always kind of thought about finance,” Gough said, explaining that he grew up in a family where both his parents and his sister had finance degrees. “But no, to put it simply, finance was not always a confirmed path.” 

Initially, he explored different tracks, even considering supply chain management after a course piqued his interest. However, after a couple internships and classes, Gough found his way to finance. 

Gough’s career journey took off when he landed two crucial internships–one at First Citizens Bank and the other at Bank of America. “The Career Fair at NC State is where I found both of those opportunities,” he shared. At First Citizens, Gough gained broad exposure to consumer banking, working with business bankers, relationship bankers, and financial consultants. But it was at Bank of America where he found his niche. 

“Poole students today have a wonderful opportunity to engage with our employer partners and build professional relationships at our career fairs,” explains Christina DeBerardino, Poole College’s associate director of undergraduate career services. “Many of the employer representatives that come to our fairs to recruit are NC State and Poole College of Management alumni themselves who not only feel a sense of Pack pride but recognize the value of hiring graduates from their own university, believing they understand the academic rigor and skills students bring.”

Gough’s internships not only provided hands-on experience but also helped him build technical skills, particularly with Excel, and develop his professional communication abilities. “Internships are essentially a 10-week interview,” Gough said. “The biggest thing I learned was that it’s more about finding out what you don’t want to do than discovering what you do want.”

For Gough, the Career Fair played a key role in his internship experiences and eventual full-time job offer. “Anybody I talk to, I’m sure to tell them, if you want a job go to the Career Fair. Companies are there to hire people from NC State,” Gough advised. His story is a testament to how a simple conversation at the Career Fair can open doors. In fact, a letter of recommendation from someone he met at the event helped him secure his Bank of America internship.

Gough’s advice to students who are still unsure of their plans is clear: start early. “I went to my first Career Fair as a freshman, just to get my feet in the door and make contacts.” His early exposure to professional networking helped him refine his approach each year, and by his junior year, he was strategically focused on banking roles.

Upon graduation, Gough will begin his career as a financial management and planning analyst at Bank of America, a company he’s excited to join, even if he’s not completely sold on his role within the FMAP program. “I love the business,” Gough shared, adding that his enthusiasm for Bank of America outweighs any reservations about the specifics of the program. 

“Anybody I talk to, I’m sure to tell them, if you want a job go to the Career Fair. Companies are there to hire people from NC State.”

Though he has his sights set on his new job, Gough is already thinking about his next steps. He has hopes to pursue a master’s degree in finance, likely in Charlotte, where he’ll be working full-time. “It’s definitely something I’m considering a year or two post-grad, once I have a few more resources,” he said, noting that he’s working his way toward a career in asset and wealth management.

Gough encourages students to take full advantage of the resources Poole offers, particularly the Career Fair. “Start early,” he emphasized, “and apply everywhere that seems interesting.” He also advises students to be active on LinkedIn, fine-tune their resumes, and use NC State’s network to the fullest.

“As Garrett shares, it is never too early to begin building your professional self,” shares DeBerardino. “Take advantage of the resources and opportunities to develop your professional skills, network and build relationships, learn about companies, industries, and career paths, and most importantly discover internship and job opportunities.” DeBerardino continues, “Among the top skills employers seek, strong communication and presentation skills are at the top of the list. The best place to practice and sharpen those skills – the Poole Career Fair!”

As a member of both the Finance Club and the Supply Chain Club, Gough has made the most of his time at Poole. His story is a powerful reminder of the opportunities available to students who are proactive about their careers. Gough’s journey from uncertain freshmen to confident graduate with a full-time job offer demonstrates the real-world value of Poole College’s Career Services.