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.
SAVE THE DATE
In-Person 2024 Engineering & Tech Connect: Purdue University in Indianapolis Career Fair
Dates: Tuesday, October 1 and Wednesday, October 2
Time: 11am - 4pm
Location: IUI Campus Center, Room 450
More information will be coming soon in myCCO*.
*All continuing Purdue School of Engineering and Technology and undergraduate Computer Science students, please make sure that you have a myCCO account created to be able to view this upcoming career fair.
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 2024. 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.