The University of Maine at Farmington, in partnership with Maine Outdoor Brands, is inviting members of the public to an afternoon of free outdoor recreation career information and networking opportunities.

The UMF “Ascend to Your Career Summit” events will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 1, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., in The Landing in the UMF Olsen Student Center.

Events will include a panel of Maine outdoor recreation experts who will discuss trends facing the industry from 11 a.m. to noon. Immediately following, from noon to 2 p.m., an Outdoor Recreation Career Fair will be held. Students and members of the public will be able to speak directly with representatives of Maine’s four-season outdoor recreation employers. Maine employers will be looking to hire seasonal and year-round staff interested in exploring the career opportunities the four-season Maine outdoor recreation industry offers. Participants are welcome to bring their resumes.

In addition, UMF is also offering participating employers the opportunity to bookend their day with visits to student classrooms to answer questions about Maine’s  four-season outdoor recreation job opportunities, and a chance to explore the beauty of central Maine with several UMF Mainely Outdoors excursions including biking on the Titcomb Rail Trail and paddling on Clearwater Pond.

To close out the event, in partnership with Maine Outdoor Brands, there will be a MOB Scene, the organization’s professional networking series, at Titcomb Mountain from 4-6 p.m. These events allow industry professionals from current and prospective Maine Outdoor Brands members to connect with other brands to catch up on successes, explore potential collaborations and celebrate the incredible outdoor recreation economy we have in Maine.

These events are in keeping with Farmington’s ongoing commitment to creating strong pathways for students from the classroom to careers and helping to grow Maine’s outdoor economy and workforce. The UMF Career and Employer Engagement team, led by Director Austin French, will work connecting students with internships and building strong relationships with employers across many sectors.

“Maine Outdoor Brands is always excited to engage with students from across the state to explore the incredible opportunities available to them in Maine’s growing outdoor recreation economy,” said Brian Threlkeld, membership director at Maine Outdoor Brands. “Anytime we have the opportunity to build an event where we are able to connect students with industry professionals, it’s a win-win for everyone.”

For more information on Career and Employer Engagement at UMF, contact Austin French at austin.french@maine.edu or 207-778-7516.

UMF thanks sponsors Franklin Savings Bank and Sugarloaf for their sponsorship and continued support.