Career fair allows former student to bridge art and quantum research

Career fairs can provide students with opportunities to connect with experts or potential employers in their field. For former MSU art major Jack Schnepf, one of these fairs allowed him to branch out and start working for a quantum research lab.

Each semester, the Allen Yarnell Center for Student Success (AYCSS) hosts a career fair where students can meet with employers from around the state about internships, entry-level positions, potential career paths and more.

Unlike past semesters, this spring’s two-day fair will be structured by career focus. The first day will cater to students of all majors, while the second day will be centered on engineering and technology industries. 

“We recognize that students perceive our fair as engineering-heavy,” said AYCSS Assistant Director Halley Perry. “Having two days and separating by focuses will help students and employers connect about career opportunities.”

Past career fairs have connected more than just the engineering students with jobs. Schnepf found success with QCORE, a quantum science and technology research organization at MSU, after attending a previous fair.

“As an artist, I like to find different ways to connect myself with opportunity,” Schnepf said. “I decided to go to the career fair with a bunch of business cards to try to reach out to different companies and ask them if they needed art for their space.” 

At the 2025 Spring Career Fair, Schnepf spoke with QCORE's CEO and learned they needed an artist who could explain the concept of quantum physics visually. Schnepf was hired by the company, which now displays his artwork. 

His pieces attempt to articulate various quantum concepts with a sense of place in Montana, according to Schnepf. His first piece, “The Shape of Uncertainty,” deals with the quantum concepts of superposition and entanglement.

 “Through the context of the piece, classical physics is like a horse in a parade marching in formation,” Schnepf said. “Comparatively, quantum physics, as shown in the piece, is like a pack of wild horses kicking up dust; you can’t tell exactly where each horse is unless you observe it directly.”

Schnepf has not only created artwork for QCORE but also involved himself in other aspects of the organization. “I also wanted to learn the business side of things, so they gave me the chance,” he said. 

Schnepf now works as the executive administrator of QCORE while continuing his work as an artist.

He encouraged all students to attend MSU’s career fairs. “Go no matter what,” he said. “The experience of talking to people is really powerful. Even if you’re not going for a job right now, planting seeds that could develop into something down the line could be really helpful.”

Elizabeth Feary, director of career services at AYCSS, said that this spring’s fair is set to be one of the largest yet. “Registration for employers is still open, but we are on track to max out the space and [have] exceeded spring 2024 numbers.”

“Set yourself up for success,” Feary said. “Take advantage of these on-campus opportunities and open the door to your future.”

 This spring semester, the career fair will be held from Feb. 24-25 in the Strand Union Building (SUB). To learn more about the upcoming event, visit https://www.montana.edu/aycss/careers/events/career-fair/career-fair-students.html. 

To learn more about the AYCSS, visit https://www.montana.edu/aycss/ or visit the office in SUB 177.

To see more of Jack Schnepf’s artwork, visit https://www.jackschnepf.com/.