Networking At Career Fairs

Most students walk away from career fairs with free pens. I walked away with 2 internships. Here’s exactly how I did it — and how you can too. ⏳ Career Fair success starts before the fair. Not during. Not the night before. Weeks before. 🔍 Step 1: Research smart Pick 10–15 companies you’d actually want to work for. If you're an international student, check myvisajobs.com to find visa sponsors fast. I used this strategy to land an internship at American Airlines. They were working on predictive analytics to cut flight delays — so I pitched how my final project on time series forecasting could help. 🎓 One thing Dr. B.P.S. Murthi taught us stuck with me: Don’t act like a student. Act like a consultant. Know the company’s problems — and show how you can solve one. 💡 Use this ChatGPT prompt: “Summarize what [Company] does, who their customers are, and 3 challenges they’re likely solving. Then explain how a student or intern could help.” 🤝 Step 2: Connect early Search [Company] + University Recruiter on LinkedIn. ✅ Connect. ✅ Send a short message on LinkedIn/ cold email: “Hi [Name], I’m [Your Name], a [Major] student at [University]. Looking forward to meeting [Company] at the career fair — especially curious how your team handles [project/problem].” One recruiter replied: "Thanks for reaching out — excited to chat more about your project!" That message made the booth conversation effortless. 📊 Step 3: Walk in with a tracker Use a simple Excel sheet: | Company | Recruiter | Role | Notes | Example: | American Airlines | Sarah J. | Data Analyst Intern | Mention time series forecasting + automation | | Dell | Priya S. | Data Intern | Ask about GenAI + internal LLM use cases | 💬 Use this ChatGPT prompt: “Here’s their LinkedIn profile. Here’s mine. Give me 3 conversation starters I can use.” 📇 Step 4: Go digital + Print Business Cards Make business cards with a QR code to your LinkedIn or resume. → Canva: design your card → HiHello or Beaconstac: create a QR code → Vistaprint: get it printed 🧠 I added a tagline under my name: "Turning messy data into decisions." 🖼️ Add a small photo so they remember your face. ✍️ Write a quick note on the card after each chat: “Enjoyed talking about data automation!” Most students show up. Few stand out. So you better be that person. 📌 Next up → how to build a tracker + elevator pitch that actually gets remembered. #CareerFairSeason #InternshipTips #DataAnalytics #JobSearchStrategy #InternationalStudents #NetworkingTips #CareerDevelopment #LinkedInTips #StudentSuccess #CollegeToCareer

“How can job seekers use events to find opportunities?” The Singapore FinTech Festival may have wrapped up over a week ago, but it offered valuable networking opportunities to improve their chances of landing a job. ➡️ Here are three ways to make the most of events like this: 1. Understand Companies’ Businesses and Products ✅ With companies showcasing their latest products and technology in the booths, the festival provided a unique chance to explore their offerings in depth. ✅ Use this insight to your advantage: learn about their business, understand future developments, and identify their unique selling points (USPs). ✅ These insights can become valuable talking points in interviews, helping you stand out as a well-informed candidate. 2. Get Informed on Hiring Trends, Opportunities, and Programs 📈 The Talent Stage was a hub for HR insights, with top leaders sharing market trends, hiring advice, and information on programs for students and fresh graduates. 📈 Seasoned recruiter, Patricia Teo offered a window into the FinTech job landscape and the in-demand skills, which is invaluable for positioning yourself in the market. 3. Meet Business and HR Leaders Face-to-Face ✅ Events like these provide a rare opportunity to connect personally with business leaders and HR professionals. ✅ Meeting them in person allows you to leave a strong impression and gain insights into what qualities they value in candidates. ✅ You may even hear about upcoming roles or hiring initiatives, giving you an edge. In a challenging market, these actions can set you apart. ➡️ If you missed this opportunity, you may reach out to me for a confidential chat to discuss your career plans or get HR insights. What other strategies would you use to make the most of a networking event like this? Share your thoughts below! Axer Goh Christina T. Koh Aik Leng Vincent Oh

As an employer branding consultant, I've collaborated on over 300 virtual internship program info sessions hosted by early career recruiting teams. Here's what stood out from the top performing events and what I recommend: 1. Audience Engagement Students already have to sit in hour long lectures, they don't want to do the same at your information sessions. Switch things up by asking questions in the chat throughout the session or having a live Q&A. 2. Clear call-to-action That can look like: →  Sharing a link to a resume drop/your talent community sign up page so they can submit interest → Collecting emails to send a post event email with more resources/information about your programs and how to apply →  Providing an unique application link that tracks that they applied after attending your event →  Sharing a link to your early careers page if your roles are currently live so they can apply 3. Early talent employee panels Attendees want to hear from your past interns and entry level employees about what life is like at your company. They trust that they're going to be honest/keep it real with them, can see themselves in their shoes, and it's someone they can reach out to post-event for more insights on how to apply. I've listened in on a few of these and employees always give the best application advice that you can't find online! Who better to attract Gen Z than Gen Z? 😉 Pro-tip You can repurpose the testimonials shared by the panelists into content for your social channels, quotes to include on your early career website, etc. 🔥 One of my formulas for a ✨ perfect ✨ virtual information sessions: 15 mins of a company/program overview hosted by the recruiters + 20 min employee panel + 10-15 for live audience Q&A/answering questions submitted from the event RSVP form 👀 Students, what do you wish to see more of at virtual information sessions for early career programs you're interested in? #earlycareerrecruiting #infosessions #earlycareer #internships #employerbranding

So... here's how to hack your Career Fair 🎓 1》Do your homework before you show up to the Career Fair hall. You should know the companies attending, and the subset of those you are interested in. Target ~5 and do your best to talk to them. Research their different business areas, headquarter location, and core competencies within their industry. Read up on recent news related to the companies. Lastly, read which specific requisition IDs (role title, team/product, location) the company is hiring for. 2》While you are in line waiting to speak to the recruiter, shake hands and introduce yourself to the person in front of you and behind you. Ask them about their background and share yours. Not only is this a great warm up for your elevator pitch, but you're putting yourself in the right energy state so that you're ready to crush it. (Also, it makes the 15min wait way less painful/awkward) 3》When you're talking to the recruiter, it's not a conversation. It's a sales pitch. "Sell me this pen" ... but you're the pen. And the company you are speaking to needs to write a book by the end of the year and they're looking for the right kind of pen. So convince them that you are ☆ Competent in the specific skills they need (share previous experience/projects) ☆ Cooperative (share examples of teamwork/leadership) ☆ Willing to Learn (share a story about how you overcame a difficult challenge or learned a new skill) 4》Ask a good question at the end, dont waste it. Ok, I'm giving away the sauce here, but here's what I used in undergrad: "Is there anything else I can share that would convince you I'm a solid fit for this role?" This question is good for a number of reasons, but mainly it allows the recruiter to ask about any reservations about you and potentially gives you a chance to supplement the conversation with relevant info. 5》Don't take it personally if you don't hear back, get ghosted, no interviews, or rejected. This whole thing is an imperfect set matching between (Applicants) and (Roles). Just keep applying, following up, and sharpening your skills in the meantime. Good luck 🛠 #fieldnote #careerfairs

Attending a conference? To increase the ROI from your time, effort, and money - it's important to 1) prepare ahead of time, 2) craft a game plan, 3) stay engaged during the event, and 4) take proactive steps afterward to maximize professional growth and connections. Below and attached are some key tips and a roadmap of to dos to maximize results from conference attendance. ➡️ Prepare Before Your Go: - Define clear goals for attending the conference, such as networking, learning, or scouting new opportunities. - Review the event schedule and identify sessions, speakers, and networking events relevant to your objectives. - Research attendees and, if possible, reach out for pre-conference meetings or introductions. - Prepare an elevator pitch to describe yourself succinctly and bring business cards, or digital equivalents, for easy information exchange. ➡️ Be Ready to Maximize Your Experience: - To expand your network, attend both formal sessions and informal events, such as coffee breaks, dinners, or social activities. - Attend a variety of session formats to broaden your learning, from workshops to panels and lectures. - To cover more ground, consider distributing your team among parallel sessions and share notes afterward. - Throughout the event, take notes on key takeaways, interesting contacts, and actionable tips. - Use the conference app or social media to connect with other attendees and keep track of sessions and people you meet. ➡️ Network Effectively: - Approach new contacts genuinely and avoid overly sales-focused conversations. - Refer to name tags for personalized introductions and ask follow-up questions to foster meaningful dialogue. - Be a giver: offer assistance to others and share insights from sessions to start conversations. - Be ready to end conversations politely and move on as needed. ➡️ Post-Conference Actions: - As soon as possible after the event, review and organize your notes on sessions and contacts. - Summarize and share insights, key takeaways, and resources with your team or network to extend conference value. - Follow up with new contacts via LinkedIn ASAP, and later via email to continue professional relationships. - Take time to reflect on your original goals for attending and whether attending the conference helped you achieve them, then plan for improvements at future events. - Rest and recharge as needed: balance intense participation with self-care. When approached intentionally and actively, attending a conference is a valuable opportunity for professional development and networking. With solid preparation, engaged participation, and strategic follow-up, anyone can turn a single event into long-term benefits and connections! Please share other tips in the comments. Thx! #businessdevelopment #marketing

What I Wish I Knew Before Attending a Career Fair (NSBE Edition + More) With NSBE just a few days away—and career fairs happening across campuses—here are five key pieces of advice I wish I knew before stepping into my first one. Whether you’re looking for internships, full-time roles, or just expanding your network, these tips will help you maximize your experience. 1️⃣ Research is Everything Don’t just look up what the company does—go deeper. Understand their values, initiatives, recent projects, and how they align with your own goals. If they’ve launched a new product or announced a big initiative, mention it in conversation! It shows genuine interest and helps you stand out. 2️⃣ Your Resume is a Tool, Not a Crutch Your resume gets your foot in the door, but you need to know it inside and out. Recruiters will ask you to expand on your experiences—be ready to articulate what you did, the impact you made, and what you learned beyond what’s written on paper. 3️⃣ Confidence Over Perfection At big career fairs like NSBE, AfroTech, or BEYA, you’re competing with thousands of talented candidates. What makes you stand out? Instead of aiming for the “perfect” pitch, focus on showing confidence in your skills and clearly communicating what you bring to the table. Also, ask yourself: What can this company do for me, too? It’s a two-way street! 4️⃣ Follow-Ups Matter A connection isn’t truly a connection if you don’t nurture it. After meeting a recruiter or industry professional, follow up with a thank-you email or LinkedIn message. Mention something specific from your conversation to make it memorable. Consistent follow-ups turn a quick chat into a lasting relationship. 5️⃣ Have a Game Plan For massive career fairs, don’t go in blind. Review the company layout beforehand, make a priority list of booths you want to visit, and strategize your approach. Time flies at these events, and long lines are inevitable—having a plan ensures you maximize your time and hit the companies that matter most to you. If you’re heading to a career fair soon, I hope this helps! What’s the best career fair advice you’ve ever received? Let’s share tips in the comments! Like, comment, and repost for more!

80% of students find career fairs overwhelming. Here’s how I made Rutgers’ work for me: Upcoming graduation means attending more career fairs. Academic fairs can be chaotic, but a little planning helped me show up fully, without burning out. Sharing what worked: 🔥 Most Underrated Arrive early with thorough research on companies you like. Event portals usually list all the attending companies and their websites — use that. Check for sponsorship status, open roles, and whether they align with your interests or skills. It helps you start stronger conversations and avoid booths that might not be relevant to your goals. Saves time and energy. 🧠 5 Minutes > Small Talk A quick scan of each company’s open roles helped me skip “What do you do?” and ask questions that actually mattered to both sides. 🎯 10 Booths > 30 I focused on AI, healthcare, and data roles. Mostly because of my internship and academic experiences made me a better fit. Prioritizing meant fewer convos, but better ones — with space to actually connect. 📍 Map Your Route Early Since booths were grouped by department, planning my path saved energy and avoided the lines that weren’t relevant to my field. 📄 Resumes as Icebreakers I brought a few tailored versions plus a general one. One recruiter actually told me, “This matches our needs more than anything I’ve seen today.” 💬 No Pitch, Just Curiosity I skipped the rehearsed intro for med-tech especially and started with: “I’m working in health AI and data and looking to grow in that space — what’s your team focused on these days?” Way better engagement. 💡 Bonus: Snap a photo Not for social. Just to remind yourself later — you showed up. It felt like a successful fair — not because of leads, but because I stayed present, calm, and intentional. That’s a win. P.S. I’ve been working with a health AI startup and have seen the hiring side too — good prep really does stand out. Always open to connecting with folks building in AI, healthcare, or data — happy to exchange insights or learn about what teams are working on. #RutgersCareerFair #CSGrad2025 #WomenInTech #HealthcareAI

“Career Fairs Are a Waste of Time! All You Get Is a Free Pen and Some Coffee!” I get it, it’s easy to feel that way. We’ve all been there, leaving with a handful of goodies but no job offer. But remember what Richard L. Evans said: “Don’t let life discourage you; everyone who got where he is had to begin where he was.” In reality, every step counts, and career fairs are no exception. They’re more than just networking events; they’re opportunities to make an impression, expand your network, and show up prepared. You can absolutely walk away with something valuable if you approach it right. Here are some tips to make your next career fair worthwhile: 1. 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐀𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠: Know who will be there, and prioritize the ones aligned with your career goals. Look up their open roles and understand what they’re looking for. 2. 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡: Be ready to introduce yourself concisely and highlight your skills. What makes you unique? Why would you be an asset to them? 3. 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐞𝐬: Customize your resume to highlight skills relevant to the companies you’re interested in. You want recruiters to remember you and see you as a serious candidate. 4. 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐌𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬: Instead of just asking about roles, ask about company culture, the day-to-day, and upcoming projects. Show genuine interest in what they’re doing. 5. 𝐅𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐔𝐩: Don’t just collect business cards; send a follow-up email to reinforce your interest and thank them for their time. This keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your professionalism. Attending a career fair is just one piece of the puzzle. It’s what you do before, during, and after that truly counts. Every step you take moves you closer to where you want to be. Make it count! All the best, may Allah ease our journey. Ameen. -FA-

“So what do you guys do?” I heard this question at least 20 times while walking the floor at the Hiring Our Heroes career summit today. Each time, I watched the recruiter’s enthusiasm deflate just a little. Here’s the reality about career fairs and networking events… Most attendees show up completely unprepared. They wander from table to table, avoid eye contact, grab swag, and ask generic questions that scream “I have no idea who you are or what you do.” But the prepared candidates? They stand out immediately. After speaking at today’s summit and connecting with dozens of warriors and military spouses, here’s what separates the memorable from the forgettable… 🔸 Research the employer list before you arrive. Almost every event publishes attendees ahead of time 🔸 Apply to specific roles beforehand. Show up knowing exactly which positions interest you 🔸 Map your target tables strategically. Don’t follow the crowd, create your own focused route 🔸 Lead with knowledge, not questions. “I love the new initiative you launched…” beats “What do you guys do?” 🔸 Reference specific roles by title and location. “I saw your Business Development Manager position in Dallas…” The difference was striking today. One military spouse walked up to a recruiter and said, “I’ve been following your company’s expansion into renewable energy. I actually applied for your Project Coordinator role in San Antonio yesterday.” That recruiter immediately pulled out their phone, took notes, and scheduled a follow-up call. Meanwhile, the unprepared candidates got polite smiles and business cards that will never get used. Your mission prep for the next career event… 🔸 Download the employer list 2 weeks out 🔸 Research 10-15 target companies thoroughly 🔸 Apply to 3-5 roles that genuinely interest you 🔸 Prepare company-specific talking points 🔸 Bring copies of your resume tailored to top choices Career fairs aren’t networking events. They’re job interviews in disguise. Treat them like the mission-critical operations they are. What’s the best career fair preparation tip you’ve discovered?

REAL TALK: How to leave NSBE26 with more than just free merch and a tote bag. Conferences like NSBE can genuinely change your life/college experience. But that ONLY happens if you prepare. Here are some tips I’m using and you should too⬇️ ⭐️Research the companies BEFORE you go Do not walk up to a recruiter and say “So what does your company do?” Pick about 10 companies you are genuinely interested in. Look at their internships. Understand what they do. Know why you are interested. ⭐️ Apply to roles before the conference DO NOT wait until the career fair to apply. Many recruiters will just tell you to scan a QR code or apply online anyway. Save yourself the time and apply to roles before the conference. Also try to pre register for company events or interviews if they offer it. Spots fill up fast. ⭐️Fix your resume NOW not the night before Your resume needs to be clear and easy to scan in about ten seconds. Focus on impact. What you built. What you researched. What you improved. Print multiple copies because you will run out. 🫵🏿PRINT THEM OUT NOW AND PUT THEM IN YOUR FOLDER ⭐️Practice introducing yourself Networking is just talking. But talking with purpose. Practice a short introduction about who you are and what you are interested in. [Name, Major, School, What you are passionate about building or researching] Confidence matters more than perfection. ⭐️Do NOT only go to the career fair Some of the best opportunities happen outside of it. Go to workshops Go to company hospitality suites Talk to students from other schools Some of the most valuable connections you will make are with other students who might later refer you. ⭐️Follow up after the conference If you had a good conversation with someone connect with them on LinkedIn. Send a quick message saying it was great meeting them at NSBE. …. When you walk into NSBE you are surrounded by thousands of brilliant Black engineers, innovators, researchers, and future founders…This is what community looks like. Ask questions, learn from people, and be curious You never know which conversation might change your future. See you all in Baltimore.🤗 #NSBE2026 #NSBE #NSBE26 #STEMCommunity #AdvancingSTEM