In recent years, talented workers across the nation have reflected on what a successful and meaningful career can look like. In support of this evolving workforce, Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA) is leading a free, two-day networking and hiring event Jan. 31- Feb. 1, 2023, welcoming talent to build a purpose-driven career in Fairfax County.
"Many of us are thinking about what a truly meaningful career can be, and here in Northern Virginia we are proud to be home to employers and professions that provide that sense of purpose many of us are searching for," said Victor Hoskins, president and CEO of FCEDA. "Cybersecurity, aerospace, IT – these industries fuel global innovation, safety, and exploration, and it all happens right here on the doorsteps of the nation's capital. Working here you can truly help change the world."
During the two-day event, candidates will have the opportunity to network with dozens of hiring organizations from Fortune 500s to government agencies and rising start-ups. Top national employers including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), General Dynamics and Inova Health System are actively hiring for 10,000+ positions across a variety of sectors including IT, aerospace, cybersecurity, and healthcare. To view the full list of companies participating and to register, visit workinnorthernvirginia.com/career-fairs/.
In-person networking and hiring – Tuesday, Jan. 31, 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. EST, at Capital One Hall, 750 Capital One Tower Rd., Tysons, VA, 22102. Virtual networking and hiring – Wednesday, Feb. 1, 1:00-4:00 p.m. EST, via online meeting portal Premier Virtual.
All backgrounds and experience levels are welcome, and attendees do not need to live in Northern Virginia to meet with participating companies. During the in-person event, job seekers can attend free educational sessions by LinkedIn and have a free professional headshot taken. FCEDA is also partnering with Women in Technology to bring discounted memberships to participants.
"We love coming to FCEDA events because there is always a large amount of technical talent at all levels, and we usually come away with many new connections, interviews, and hires resulting from the event," said Matthew Mead, Ridgeline International's Director, Talent Management and Recruiting.
As the tech and cyber sectors continue to grow in Northern Virginia, there are more than 17,000 technology companies in the region. With its proximity to major federal agencies, major educational institutions, and Fortune 500 headquarters, Fairfax County tech and cyber firms have access to industries and resources that are unique to the area. To support this growth, FCEDA and its partners have been organizing networking and hiring events since 2020 to attract, retain and nurture talent by connecting job seekers to companies in the region.
"Fairfax County Economic Development Authority events have provided Peraton with the opportunity to identify top talent, build new connections in the community, and elevate our brand exposure on a local and national platform," said Jeff Carson, Peraton's Senior Talent Acquisition Lead, Military and Veterans. "As the company's Military Veteran Recruiter Lead, I have attended numerous in-person and virtual events hosted by the FCEDA where I found the locations, marketing, and logistics to all be top notch. I look forward to continuing our relationship in the coming year."
To-date, FCEDA-hosted hiring and networking events have attracted more than 5,000 attendees, resulting in more than 12,500 conversations between attending candidates and hiring companies.