Follow These Seven Steps to Get Career Fair Ready
The only event of its kind this year, the Career Fair brings more than 100 employers to campus, offering opportunities for internships, full-time positions, and valuable career connections.
Hosted by Career Services, the fair will be held from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 18, in the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Athletic Center Fieldhouse.
At the fair, students can meet with employers who are already recruiting for spring 2026 and summer 2026 internships. In addition, students will have the opportunity to sit for a free professional headshot.
Students: Make the Most of the Career Fair
Do Your Homework: Research attending employers, update your résumé and LinkedIn profile, and practice your introduction.
Make Use of Career Services Resources: Career Services will be offering multiple opportunities for drop-in résumé reviews and 1:1 coaching sessions to help you feel confident and prepared.
Heather DiFino, director of Career Services, suggests that students come early to peruse the variety of employers and to begin networking. She also said that while employers may be recruiting for a specific position, there are usually other opportunities that could come through a connection as well.
“This is a great chance to start building relationships with employers, which could lead to expanding your network for further opportunities,” she said.
Why Career Fairs Matter for First-Year Students
First-year students are also encouraged to attend, even though they have only been on campus a few weeks; in college, time moves fast! Soon, they will be looking for internships, experiential learning opportunities, and full-time positions. It is especially valuable for first-year students to attend the Career Fair so they can:
Build Professional Skills: From creating a résumé to practicing introductions, students will learn how to present themselves as young professionals—skills they can use in interviews, internships, and beyond.
Expand Their Network: Students have a chance to connect with professionals across industries and with peers who share similar career interests which can open doors to mentorship, advice, and future opportunities.
Explore Career Paths: Talking with employers helps students learn about different industries, roles, and majors, providing clarity as they shape their career goals.
Discover Internships: Many employers recruit interns at career fairs. Attending early can give them a start in gaining valuable experience.
More than a networking event, the Career Fair is a powerful step in a student’s career journey.
Students can make sure they are “Career Fair Ready” by following these seven tips:
- Polish their résumé - one page, no typos, action verbs
- Print 10-15 copies of their résumé
- Save a .PDF version for easy sharing
- Master their elevator pitch for their 30-second introduction
- Research companies they would like to meet
- Prepare questions to show interest
- Dress the part – first impressions count!