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Job and Internship Fairs

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Each year, the СÀ¶ÊÓƵ Career Center hosts a fall and spring job and internship fair, as well as additional, industry-specific fairs and networking receptions. Attend these in-person and virtual events to discover and network employers.

from past fairs.

When deciding which employers to visit or meet with at the job and internship fairs, consider these questions:

  • Why does this organization interest me? (Their mission or values? The type of work they do? The work environment?)
  • What skills, experience, or qualities do I have that would benefit the organization? Think aboutÌýprevious jobs or community service work, positions in clubs, courses you've taken, etc.
  • What do I want to know about this organization that isn't readily available on their website/social media? This will help you ask a smart question that shows you've done your research.

In-Person Fair

Use the to start researching employers. The page is also where the map of the fair will be published the day before the fair. You can search employers by the type of positions for which they're hiring (full- or part-time, fellowship, or internship), by degree area (arts, business, communications, etc.), and by diversity initiatives (equal opportunity for LGBTQA, underrepresented groups, veterans, persons with disabilities, etc.). You can also save favorite employers and take notes right in the app.

  • Use the document published atÌýJob & Internship Fair Handshake pageÌýto mark favorite employers, make notes, etc.Ìý
  • Create or update your resume with our templates and guides
  • withÌýa careerÌýadvisorÌýfor a resume review
  • Attend a or

In-Person Fair

  • PrintÌý10-15 copies of your resume to bring to the fair
  • Bring a pen, and if you choose, your business cards

Virtual Fairs

  • Upload a resume to your Handshake profile, then click the "Feature on Profile" button to make the document public. When you sign up for sessions, employers will be able to see your profile.
  • As back up, consider saving your resume to Google Drive or a similar platform. Have the link ready to share with employers during one-on-one sessions at the fair.Ìý

When you speak with employers at the in-person or virtualÌýfair, you want to give a short pitch that sets you apart and quickly summarizes your skills and interest in their organization.

Watch the recording of our workshop to help you prepare your introduction.

You can also practice your pitch using Ìý(Handshake log-in required).Ìý

We recommend dressing professionally for in-person and virtual fairs. One-on-one sessions at virtual fairsÌýhave the option for Handshake video.ÌýDressing as if you were attending an in-person fair will also help you feel more confident.Ìý

  • Check out our guidelines on professional image
  • Plan your outfit in advance; you can always message it to us via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram (@aucareercenter),Ìýor email us if you have questions!

In-Person Fair

  • After you decide what to wear, clean and press your outfit before the fair.

Virtual Fair

  • Think about where you'll be during the fair and what your background will look like. Unlike Zoom, Handshake will not allow you to choose a background image.Ìý
  • If possible, try to find a quiet space to attend the fair to minimize interruptions

(Virtual fairs only) Sign up for 10-minute 1:1 sessions and/or group sessions with employers --Ìý

Virtual job fairs on Handshake allowÌýemployers to meet with you in group sessions or one-on-ones. While youÌýcan sign up for group sessions up to one minute before the start time, we recommend planning ahead and signing up early! Once a session has started, you'll be unable to sign up for it.

You'll want to make time to work on your Handshake profile. Pay attention to the following settings:ÌýÌý

  • Privacy -ÌýRead carefully to understand how your privacy settings in Handshake will affect your ability to participate in the fair. Your privacy is important to us.

    • To register for fair sessions or meetings, your Handshake privacy settings must be set to eitherÌýCommunityÌý´Ç°ùÌýEmployer.
    • °Õ³ó±ðÌýCommunityÌýsetting providesÌýfull fair participationÌýby letting you register forÌýgroup sessionsÌý²¹²Ô»åÌýone-on-one meetings. It also makes your profile visible to employers, students, and alumni across all Handshake colleges and universities.
    • °Õ³ó±ðÌýEmployerÌýsetting providesÌýpartial fair participationÌýby letting you register forÌýone-on-one sessions only. It also makes your profile visible to all employers in Handshake. Students and alumni at other Handshake colleges and universities cannot see your profile.
    • ³§³Ù³Ü»å±ð²Ô³Ù²õÌýcannot register for the fairÌýwith theÌýPrivateÌýsetting selected. However, students who prefer this setting can easily re-select it at the conclusion of the fair.
    • Employers participating in the fair cannot access a broad list of participants. They can only access lists of students whoÌýinteract with themÌýdirectly during the fair.
  • GPAÌý- Employers may set a GPA requirement for one-on-one sessions. ConsiderÌýadding your cumulative GPA to your Handshake profile to maximize your eligibility for one-on-one sessions. First-year students, use your most recent high school or undergrad GPA. Update your GPA under Profile > Education.Ìý

  • Work authorizationÌýÌý- When registering for sessions, you may have to answer questions about work authorization. Regardless of how you answer, you'll be able to participate in the fair.

  • Review Handshake's guides toÌý, , , and the

Learn about the benefits of attending the Fall 24 Job and Internship Fair at each stage of the academic journey -Ìý..