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Job Fair

2026 Packaging Job Expo, Feb. 10th-12th

Virginia Tech’s top-ranked Packaging Systems and Design program invites you to its 2026 Packaging Job Expo. The event features networking and interview opportunities designed to connect current students with employers seeking to fill jobs and internships. Mark your calendar and read more below on how you can participate.

Students talking to employers standing in booths at a job fair

Event Information

The College of Natural Resources and Environment and the Department of Sustainable Biomaterials invites you to join the 2026 Packaging Job Expo beginning on Feb. 10th, 2026. 

Networking

Packaging Networking Reception

Tuesday, Feb. 10th, 2026
6:00p.m.- 8:30p.m.
Location: University Club, Stadium West End Zone

Spring Packaging Job Fair

Wednesday, Feb. 11th, 2026
10:00a.m. - 3:00p.m.
Location: University Club, Stadium West End Zone 

On-campus Interviews

Thursday, Feb. 12th, 2026
(Scheduled upon request)
Location: TBD

 

Recruit the Best

JOIN OUR PACKAGING SYSTEMS AND DESIGN PROGRAM on Feb. 10th, 2026, for our 2026 Packaging Job Expo at the Virginia Tech campus. You will be able to meet and network with many talented undergraduate and graduate students seeking internship and career opportunities and showcase what your company has to offer. This event includes a networking reception, a job fair, and on-site interviews with students.

Secure your booth today by emailing packaging@vt.edu or calling 540-231-8853.

Small Class Sizes

 

Learn more about our program!

Small Class Sizes

VIRGINIA TECH'S PACKAGING SYSTEMS AND DESIGN PROGRAM began in 2014. What started as a class of nine is now over 90 undergraduate students with an extensive network of alumni. Our growing program prides itself on a nearly 100 percent job  placement rate!

The Packaging Systems and Design major is constructed of small class sizes which provide our undergraduate students with the unique opportunity to construct personal connections with faculty. We also have a Faculty and Advising mentorship program to ensure that every packaging student has someone to provide insight into industry connections and career direction through their time at Virginia Tech. Every student is assigned a mentor to furnish their understanding of the packaging industry and guidance as they refine their personal career goals. 

The biggest benefit of our small class sizes is our ability to take our learning outside of the classroom. From our students visiting local packaging companies to companies coming to visit our classes; our students are exposed to real-world packaging implementations on a very in-depth level. This exploratory take on learning has allowed our students to be exposed to all different aspects of packing from materials, to design, to engineering, to testing. 

Virginia Tech is a research institution and our packaging program is a global leader in pallet research. The Brooks Lab is in the Corporate Research Center, adjacent to the Virginia Tech campus. It is known for its state-of-the-art equipment and fantastic lab management. We pride ourselves on allowing our students an environment where they can gain hands-on experience and exposure to the realities of the packaging industry before they leave school. 

hands on

Virginia Tech acknowledges that the best way to solidify knowledge obtained in the classroom is to use that information to solve real-life packaging problems. All of our packaging students have the opportunity to get involved in hands-on projects. These opportunities include working in the Center for Pallet and Unit Load Design, performing undergraduate research in one of our labs, and gaining experience through industry-sponsored design projects.

Our small class sizes provide our students with unique opportunities to learn from hands-on experience. We have three different courses that are specifically designed to provide our students with real-world packaging design experience through research with various industry sponsors (Sustainable Packaging Design I and II, and the Senior Packaging Practicum). In addition to these courses, all of our packaging coursework contains hands-on elements that are designed to provide students with the practical skills that they will need in industry.

Through partnerships with companies for internships, co-ops, and full-time positions, we hope to grow our network and build more opportunities and partnerships for the future of our program. 

 

 

Employer Information - Sponsorship Levels

 

PLATINUM - $3,500

  • Spring 2026 Packaging Job Expo Attendance
  • Fall 2027 CNRE Career Fair Attendance
  • 4 Attendees Included
  • 2 Interview Rooms
  • Networking Reception
  • # On-campus Parking Passes

PREMIUM - $2,000

  • Spring 2026 Packaging Job Expo Attendance
  • 2 Attendees Included
  • 1 Interview Room
  • Networking Reception
  • 1 On-campus Parking Pass

STANDARD - $850

  • Spring 2026 Packaging Job Expo Attendance
  • 2 Attendees Included
  • Networking Reception
  • 1 On-campus Parking Pass

BASIC - $500

(Under 50 Employees)

  • Spring 2026 Packaging Job Expo Attendance
  • 1 Attendee Included
  • Networking Reception
  • 1 On-Campus Parking Pass

Reach out to Dr. Young Kim (ytkim@vt.edu) for special accommodations, questions about sponsorship levels, and for unique sponsorship opportunities

 

 

Employer - FAQs:

Q: Will only Packaging Systems and Design Students attend the fair?
A: The Packaging Job Fair is open to VT students of all majors who are interested in the packaging field.
Q: We want to bring our own promotional materials to the event, how can we make sure that they arrive on-site before the event?
A: During company check-in, committee members and program volunteers will assist companies in transporting any gear or materials from their vehicles to the event hall.

 

Employer - Booth Materials

All booth materials can be mailed to Hollins Exposition Services. They will be in contact with you before the event. 

Holins Exposition Services
Contact: Kris Peter, Account Manager
Email: kpeter@hollins-expo.com
Website: Hollins Exposition Services
Phone: 540-362-3940 x115
Mailing Address: P.O Box 7011, Roanoke Virginia, 24019

 

Student Information - Resources

 

 

Companies that participated in previous years' job fairs and expos: 

White background with logos of the companies listed in text box below this image

 

 

Student FAQ:

Q: What is appropriate dress code for the job fair?
A: Dress business formal for the main event and interview sessions.
Q: I already have a position lined up after this semester, can I still attend?
A: Yes! The job fair is a great opportunity to network with industry professionals as well as fellow students. You may even secure a future postion in advance.
 

Meet Our Committee

This event is student-run with support from the faculty and staff of the Department of Sustainable Biomaterials and the College of Natural Resources and Environment. Please feel free to reach out to any of us if you have questions about the job expo or our program at packaging@vt.edu.

Young-Teck Kim Advisor

Young-Teck Kim

Young-Teck Kim, Advisor
ytkim@vt.edu

Eduardo Molina Advisor

Eduardo Molina

Eduardo Molina, Advisor
edu88@vt.edu

2026 Student Planning Committee:

  • Chair: Marta Ghigo

Contact Info

Phone: 540-231-8853
Email: packaging@vt.edu
Address:
230 Cheatham Hall
Virginia Tech
310 West Campus Drive
Blacksburg, VA 24061