Easterseals Redwood has teamed up with Cincinnati Fear, Game Day and the University of Cincinnati for an employment fair.

High school and college students got to network with potential employers to prepare for the future.

“First video game I ever played was The Legend of Zelda. I really loved being able to explore the space,” gamer Tyler Arend said.

Arend is grateful for the opportunity to work toward his goal in IT through gaming with the help of a nonprofit.

“Easterseals helped me with exploring different IT jobs. I was able to do things like flying drones or touring a bank,” Arend said.

Easterseals Redwood is a nonprofit working to empower children and adults with disabilities to live full and meaningful lives.

Organizers believe this event is a great way for students to get jobs in fields like cybersecurity, IT, droning, and other tech-related fields.

“Came up with the concept, if we can bring some gamers together with employers, lets talk about how the unique skills in gaming actually apply to industry, we have a way we can help some young adults to some great careers,” Founder, Esports employment fair Debbie Smith said.

For the second-year gamers got to play video games such as Smash Bros and NCAA Football, while networking with companies.

“We have brought together employers and gamers who want to connect. Gamers have an extraordinary amount of expertise and interest that employers quite frankly want to know,” President, Cincinnati Fear Esports Jackie Reau said.

“I always say find a way to connect your profession and your passion. This is really it,” Reau explained.

Arend has been playing video games since he was a kid and wants to continue coding and learning about software development to turn his dream job in IT into a reality.

“I’m looking forward to meeting other people in the community and I’m looking forward to meeting others in a professional way,” Participant, Esports employment fair Tyler Arend said.

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