How to Prepare for Career Fairs at Penn State
Author: Maddy Pryor
Career fairs are a great way to get things started when it comes to searching for your first (or next) role. Penn State and various departments offer career fairs and networking events throughout the year, so it’s best to always be prepared for the next one!
The University Wide Fall Career Days are September 16th and 17th in the Bryce Jordan Center from 11am to 4pm. Many schools hold their own more focused career fairs that are intended for specific majors or fields. Additionally, the Business Career Center maintains a calendar of events for jobs and internships within the business sector.
Do your research
A few days before the fair, you should take a look at which companies will be in attendance. Look them up on LinkedIn, check out their websites and social media profiles. Come up with some questions you might ask, as well as answers to questions you might hear. Figure out the top 3 organizations you want to talk to, and know them by heart.
Get your outfit ready
Business casual at a minimum but business professional is best. As they say - dress for the job you want! No t-shirts, no jeans, no sneakers (but do make sure your dress shoes are comfortable). If you need some help, check out the Professional Attire Closet on campus at the Bank of America Career Services building.
Brush up your resume (and LinkedIn page) and make some copies
Make sure everything is up-to-date and accurate on both your resume and your LinkedIn profile. Print out a bunch of copies of your resume and put them in a nice folder (doesn’t need to be expensive! Just needs to not have tears/wrinkles). Need help getting started on typing up your resume? Check out the Resume & Cover Letter page from Career Services.
Eat a Great Breakfast
You want to be at your best and brightest, so start your day with a good meal. It can often be a long day, so you might want to throw a granola bar in your backpack, too.
Shake hands & Make eye contact
When you get to the fair, put your phone (and headphones!) away and focus on the task at hand. Find those 3 employers you’re interested in and head to their tables. When you speak to one of their representatives, introduce yourself and be yourself!
Follow-ups
If you get any business cards or contact information, or if someone asks you to send a note, be sure to follow up! Give it 24-48 hours, and then send a message of thanks and acknowledgement for your time together chatting at the career fair.
With these tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to a successful experience at the next career fair.
Looking for More Support?
Searching for your first job or internship can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Tierney Education offers personalized career coaching to help students strengthen their résumés and LinkedIn profiles, practice interviewing, develop networking strategies, and create a career plan tailored to their goals. Learn more about our Career Coaching here!
