At some point in your academic journey, you’ll likely have the opportunity to attend a career and graduate school fair. While it can feel overwhelming or intimidating, remember that it’s an incredible opportunity to network and learn about companies, positions and graduate programs that interest you.
To help you prepare, we spoke to the Graduate Admissions team at Clarkson University to compile some career fair tips for a successful experience.
Do Your Research
Career fairs often host a variety of companies and graduate schools from a wide range of industries. This offers a unique and convenient opportunity for students to explore many opportunities in one place. Most schools provide a list of registered companies ahead of time—use this to your advantage. For Clarkson’s career fair, the list of employers can be found on Handshake. Identify which companies and programs stand out to you, narrow down your list to those you’re most interested in, and spend some time researching them.
So what kinds of information should you be looking for? At minimum, you’ll want to find out:
- What services or products the company offers
- Where they’re located
- What career or graduate opportunities they provide
Spending 30 minutes to an hour getting familiar with the basics will help you have more meaningful, memorable and confident conversations with representatives. Take notes (typed is best) to refresh your memory quickly while you’re at the fair. Focus more on preparing questions and conversation points rather than trying to memorize everything about every company.
Learn more about Clarkson’s Career Center for additional resources on researching companies.
Map Out Your Experience & Interests
Besides knowing the basics of each company you plan to talk to, you’ll want to think about what academic, work, or personal experiences you can discuss to highlight your skills. This is one of the most overlooked career fair tips that can set you apart.
For example, if you’re interested in career opportunities with an electric utility company, perhaps you have experience with energy-related research or have completed an internship with a solar power provider. These are both great points to discuss with a recruiter. Share:
- What your responsibilities were
- What you enjoyed about the experience
- How it shaped your interest in the industry
Ask Thoughtful Questions: Key Career Fair Tips
Asking the right questions is key to making a great impression. Avoid general questions like, “Does your university have a grad program for civil engineering?” or “What does your company do?” These are things you can easily find online.
Instead, ask questions that reflect your preparation, such as:
- “What skills or experiences do you look for in candidates?”
- “Can you tell me about the company culture or current projects your team is working on?”
- “What mentorship opportunities are available for new hires or graduate students?”
“People are often nervous to talk to recruiters. We’re here to help you, even if our program isn’t the right fit for you. At the end of the day, our goal is for you to leave with more knowledge to help you take your next steps, whatever they may be.”
Follow Up
After the fair, don’t hesitate to reach out to the representatives you spoke with. If you have additional questions, they’re often happy to help or direct you to someone who can.
Even if you don’t have questions, a quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression. It’s a small gesture that can go a long way—especially since you never know who might be involved in your future job or admissions process.
Fill Out the Inquiry Card
If you’re interested in an opportunity, make sure to leave your name and contact information. Students sometimes avoid this to prevent spam emails, but here’s a tip: create a separate email account for inquiries. This way, you can check updates on your schedule without cluttering your primary inbox.
Companies often send valuable information like:
- Program descriptions
- Fee waivers
- Job listings
- Important deadlines
Don’t miss out on these perks!
Be Open to Opportunities
“Probably the most important advice I can give is not to limit yourself,” says the Graduate Admissions team.
For example, some students focus too much on tuition costs or insist on an online-only program. However, many schools offer scholarships that are only available after you apply. Similarly, relocating for a few years may open doors to unique programs or career opportunities.
Other factors to consider include:
- A program’s alumni network
- Faculty expertise
- Career readiness resources
“Make sure to explore all of your options and, more importantly, stay open to them.”
Take the Next Step: Explore Clarkson’s Graduate Programs
If you’re ready to take the next step in your academic or professional journey, explore Clarkson’s Graduate Programs to see how they can help you achieve your goals.
