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As companies across the country scramble to fill critical engineering and computing roles, one destination is firmly on their recruiting map: the 91����.

Employers say 91���� graduates bring dedication to the Pine Tree State, leadership skills and versatility that set them apart — and they’re hiring accordingly.

That demand was clear at 91���� Career Center’s annual Engineering and Computing Job Fair, where more than 150 companies turned out to recruit students and alumni.

It coincides with increased interest in these fields among Black Bears. Enrollment in 91���� engineering and computing programs — housed within the Maine College of Engineering and Computing — has grown 5% over the past five years.

Skills and dedication beyond the classroom

“They have the skills,” said Josh Hinds, senior manager software engineer at Tyler Technologies. “We’re looking for what a student has done on their own, outside of the classroom. 91���� students bring the dedication and Maine culture we’re looking for.”

91���� is meeting employer demand, conferring 33% more undergraduate and graduate engineering and computing degrees than it did five years ago. That increase stands out to local businesses like Versant Power, which offers a wide variety of positions and internships.

“We offer electric and mechanical engineering positions, along with IT and customer service careers,” said Todd Gilley, talent acquisition specialist at Versant. “91���� students stand out. We had 18 college interns last summer, and 17 of them were from 91����.”

Independence and initiative drive success

Recruiters pointed to a common trait: 91���� students have initiative and independence that make them valuable employees.

“It’s authenticity,” said Whitney Bouchard, a 2013 91���� graduate and project engineer at CMA Engineers Inc. “91���� has integrity while teaching their students, and that translates into their work.”

Maine authenticity and culture have become core values for many of these companies as more of the state’s future leaders leave after graduation.

“We’re looking for people who want to stay within the state, which is usually 91���� students,” said Mackenzie Randall, university recruiter at Garmin. “When we hire them, we typically know that they’re going to stay.”

A strong connection to Maine’s future

That aligns with the university’s 83% retention rate among degree-seeking students — a statistic that doesn’t go unnoticed by employers.

“91���� students are dedicated to Maine’s progress,” said Holden Rodzen, a senior at 91���� and intern at Central Maine Power. “They work toward advancement with open communication and open goals.”

Employers will return to Orono on Feb. 11 for the 2026 91���� Career Fair — the largest in the state — held annually for 91���� and 91���� at Machias students and alumni, students from other universities and the general public.

Story by Mello Vancil, news intern.

Contact: David Nordman, david.nordman@maine.edu