Career Fairs
Career Fairs are an amazing way to meet a large number of recruiters in a short period of time. It also saves you the stress of waiting for a call-back from an online application. Check out this two (2) minute video for an overview how you can succeed at a career fair.
In-Person STEM Career and Intern Fair:
Date: Wednesday, September 27 (Science/Math/Tech Day) and Thursday, September 28 (Engineering/Tech Day)
Time: 11am - 4pm
Location: IUPUI Campus Center, Room 450
Most career fairs for Engineering and Technology majors happen in the fall semester. The two best for our Students are the STEM Career and Intern Fair, held at IUPUI, and the Industrial Roundtable, held at Purdue West Lafayette, September 12-14. Be sure to see if there are career fairs specific to your major, like the Construction Management career fair at Purdue West Lafayette, on September 29.
How to Work a Career Fair
A career fair is a networking event with employers for internships, co-ops, and full-time positions. It gives you a chance to market your skills, abilities, education, and experience. You also have the opportunity to obtain information from the employer to secure an interview.
Before the Fair
- Go to a career fair workshop offered by the school. See the event list for offerings.
- Have your resume reviewed by Career Services.
- Know your target companies and do your research on them.
- Sign up for a time to meet with recruiters via the Career Fair App if attending the virtual fair.
- Have target questions for each company.
- Clean up anything questionable on social media - yes, they check!
Elevator Pitch
When you meet with a Recruiter, know what you will say. A good example of this is:
"Hi, my name is John Doe, and I'm a Mechanical Engineering student at the Purdue School of Engineering and Technology at IUPUI, graduating in May 2023. I'm looking for a summer internship and am interested in XYZ Company because of their innovative work on locomotive engines. "
End this opening with a pause to see if they have questions about your background. If they don't, ask them a question such as "can you tell me about your internship program" to keep the conversation going.
LinkedIn Profile
Yes, you need one. It helps employers put a face with a name after meeting you at a career fair. It also gives them a way to contact you and could lead to job opportunities. Make sure to include the information (keep it updated!) from your resume on your profile and a professional picture.
Dress the Part
Professional business attire is encouraged.
- Conservative business attire. No jeans, sweats, or sneakers.
- Be well-groomed.
- Bring a padfolio or nice folder with resume copies and something to take notes with (if it's an in-person fair).
- Smell fresh and clean, not overpowering—no perfume or cologne.
