In our May article, we shared the viewpoint of two companies that attended the 2023 College Industry Conference (CIC). Maybe at that point you weren’t looking for new employees or interns; perhaps attending a conference that was six months in the future wasn’t high on your list of considerations.

The conference is now only two months away––and possibly you are now anticipating some personnel changes in your business. That’s why it’s time to revisit attending the Foundry Education Foundation’s big annual event that brings metalcasters face-to-face with college students and recent graduates looking for foundry employment.

“The CIC provided the greatest number of highly qualified materials engineering and metallurgical engineering students from the broadest range of universities of any recruiting event Wieland has attended,” said William Shelley, director, sustainability and technology, Wieland, “and it enabled us to meet the needs of our engineering development program.”
Ashley Lacy, a materials science and engineering major (with a minor in green engineering) who will graduate from Virginia Tech spring 2025, said, “Last year’s FEF-CIC was my first conference, and being a part of such a large, welcoming community was incredible. I was able to obtain my first internship through this conference and I’ve had the best experience this summer with Tyler Union. I can’t wait to attend the next conference!”

This year’s conference will be held on November 21–22 at the Westin Michigan Avenue in Chicago. You’ll have the opportunity to network with 118+ students who are looking for full-time or internship/co-op opportunities in the metalcasting industry. Hiring an FEF student saves you time, effort, and money––they are excited, educated in metalcasting, and equipped with experiences enabling them to jump in and contribute to your company right away.

“It was reassuring to see that FEF programs are continuing to supply our industry with tomorrow’s leaders who are smart, driven, and passionate about metalcasting,” said Steve Sikorski, president of AFS Corporate Member MAGMA Foundry Tech Inc.

Phil Eatherton, HR manager at Waupaca Foundry, affirmed that observation: “Our company was able to hire several summer interns and fill two important full-time positions as a direct result of attending the CIC and networking with the delegates. 

Attending the conference not only provides the opportunity of meeting future leaders of the industry but also offers networking with many of the FEF Key Professors. Creating a relationship with our professors opens the door to a never-ending resource of future metalcasting students; you’ll know exactly who to contact when you’re looking for your next employee. 

And, of course, attending the conference provides some great fun and reconnecting with old friends and colleagues. 

Here’s more feedback from the 2023 CIC:

• “There are so many opportunities to connect with others within the metalcasting industry. The CIC is where I found my summer internship this year, which has been incredibly beneficial to my career.” – Amber Shaw, materials science and engineering student who will graduate May 2025 from Michigan Tech

• “This career fair attracts the top students in the foundry and metal casting interests from schools across the country. The organization was excellent and high-quality students attend. – Anthony Cantrall, manufacturing engineering manager, Signicast Corp.

• “This was the best opportunity to network with great people in the industry and create lifelong memories, besides the great support to all students. I’m always grateful for this experience and opportunity! – Monica Gonzalez, materials engineering student who will (graduating 10/2024), Tec Saltillo

We at FEF hope to see you at this year’s College Industry Conference. Attending this event is a priceless investment in the future of your company and the metalcasting industry. For more information and to register, please go to www.fefinc.org/CIC.