Winter Virtual Career Fair 

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Wrap up the year by investing in your future. The WORKinOPTICS Winter Career Fair is a virtual hiring event designed exclusively for the optics, photonics, and engineering communities. Whether you’re seeking your next career step or recruiting top talent to start the new year strong, this event is your opportunity to make meaningful connections before 2026 begins.

For Job Seekers:

• Explore Opportunities: Meet leading companies actively hiring in optics, photonics, engineering, and related fields.
• Get Discovered: Share your resume and profile directly with recruiters who are searching for candidates like you.
• Expand Your Network: Engage in 1:1 chats and connect with professionals shaping the future of science and technology.

For Employers:

• Hire Ahead of the Curve: Access a diverse, global pool of job seekers ready to contribute in the new year.
• Showcase Your Organization: Present your brand to a highly targeted audience through live sessions and your virtual booth.
• Streamline Hiring: Conduct interviews and identify strong candidates, all on one easy-to-use platform.
• Invest in the Future: Partner with Optica to support innovation and talent development in your field.

Close out 2025 by making the connections that will shape 2026. Don’t miss this opportunity to meet the brightest minds and most innovative employers in optics and photonics. 

Participating Companies: 

• Applied Research Labs - PSU 
• Opsydia
• Silith
• Quantum Computing, Inc. 
• Black Semiconductor
• Swave
• Lightel
• DataRay
• HEF Photonics
• EXFO
• ICFO
• Materion
• Pulse Medica
• Advanced Fiber Resources
• Vitex LLC

Making the Big Leap Into the Private Sector - Webinar

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Thinking about a move into the private sector?

If most of your career has been in government or academia, the transition can feel overwhelming. Corporate hiring follows a very different playbook, everything from resume expectations to fast-paced recruitment timelines. Understanding how private companies identify, evaluate, and hire top talent is essential if you want to make a strong impression and land the right role quickly.

What You Will Learn:

• How corporate hiring differs from academic and government recruitment processes
• Tips for tailoring your resume and cover letter to private-sector expectations
• How to effectively communicate your transferable skills to employers
• Best practices for networking in industry settings
• Interview strategies that highlight impact and results
• Common pitfalls to avoid when making the transition

Who Should Attend:

• Researchers, scientists, and engineers currently in academia who are considering a move to industry
• Professionals in government labs or agencies interested in pursuing corporate opportunities
• Graduate students or postdocs preparing for their first job outside academia
• Anyone curious about how to position themselves for success in the private sector

OFC 2026 Career Zone

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Powering Connections, Advancing Careers in Optical Networking & Communications

The OFC Career Zone is your go-to destination for workforce development in the optical networking and communications industry. Whether you're an employer looking to connect with top-tier talent or a job seeker exploring your next career move, the Career Zone offers unique opportunities to build relationships, elevate visibility, and access expert resources.

For Employers:

• Meet Qualified Candidates: Engage with early-career and experienced professionals actively seeking roles in optics, photonics, and networking.
• Host a Recruitment Table: Conduct 1:1 interviews, build your talent pipeline, and increase your company’s visibility at the heart of the conference.
• Expand Brand Exposure: Position your organization as a leader in the industry by participating in live programming and networking events.
• Explore Partnerships: Let’s collaborate to develop custom solutions to help you attract and retain top talent in the field.

For Job Seekers:

• Connect with Employers: Network directly with leading companies recruiting for full-time, part-time, and internship opportunities.
• Attend Career Programs: Access live sessions, panel discussions, and one-on-one coaching designed to support your professional growth.
• Boost Your Visibility: Share your resume and profile with employers actively hiring at OFC 2026 and beyond.

Whether you're hiring, job searching, or just exploring career resources, the OFC Career Zone is the place to be.

Participating Companies: 

• SiLC Technologies
• Nokia
• Silith
• Semtech

Interested in hosting a recruitment table or exploring partnership opportunities?

Contact the OFC Career Zone Team at
careerzone@ofcconference.org
 +1 (202) 416-1989

To request a topic or presentation, contact workinoptics@optica.org

Looking to increase your organization's visibility by sponsoring an event? Visit the Employer Engagement Opportunties page or contact workinoptics@optica.org for more information!