Campus & Community

How to Make the Most of Fall Career Week 2024

Thursday, September 19, 2024, By Christine Grabowski
A career fair representative, dressed in a dark work shirt, smiles as he shakes hands with a young professional in a suit. The young man holds a resume and wears a backpack, while the booth displays a blue hard hat and various promotional items. In the background, additional attendees and recruiters are engaged in conversation, with blue curtains and company banners providing a backdrop for the event.

2023 Fall Career Fair (Photo by Angela Ryan)

Fall 2024 Career Week serves as a reminder for students that it is never too soon to take steps toward achieving their individual career goals.

The week offers a lineup of programs and events designed to help students connect with employer partners. From the campuswide Career and Internship Fair to specialized opportunities hosted by schools and colleges, students can explore these experiences by visiting the Career Services website or logging into their Handshake account.

Open to all students, regardless of class year and major, Fall 2024 Career Week runs from Sept. 23-27, with the signature Career and Internship Fair event featuring over 200 employers in attendance who will be offering internship and post-graduation positions.

“Career Week is a student’s gateway to unlocking future opportunities,” says Lisette Child, assistant director, employee relations in the University’s Career Services office. “It’s an amazing chance to connect with top employers, explore diverse career paths and gain insights that could shape their professional journey. Don’t miss out on the chance to make valuable connections and set yourself up for success.”

Students are encouraged to learn about each opportunity via Handshake before the events. This will show students the employers who will be attending and ensure the events align with their respective career interests. 

Two women engage in conversation at a career fair booth, one representing the company in a black polo shirt, while the other, holding documents, listens attentively. The booth features a sign that says, 'Start your career here!' and lists opportunities in engineering, architecture, and planning. The event takes place in a large, vibrant venue with orange bleachers and banners in the background.

Students attend Career Fair in the JMA Wireless Dome (Photo by Angela Ryan)

Career Week Events and How to Register

Explore Career Week event highlights below with the complete list available on the Career Services website. For each event, students should register on Handshake and prepare before attending.

How to Prepare for Fall 2024 Career Week

  • Keep profile up to date: Students should make sure they complete their profile information on Handshake. This includes updating their photo and details, such as graduation year, education and work experience. Upon completion, the account will reflect “100%.”
  • Know who will be there: Check the list of employers attending and prioritize those that align with your career goals. You may not have time to meet everyone, so focus on the most important ones.
  • Do research: Employers appreciate students who know something about their company. Research your top choices and tailor your conversations based on what you learn.
  • Bring the essentials: Having a folder with a handful of resumes and paper for notes is always great. There is a bag check area available, but it is easier to leave bulky items at home.
  • Dress appropriately: Choose business professional or business casual attire. Comfortable shoes are key.
  • Prepare a pitch: Have a short, practiced introduction about your background and goals.
  • Practice makes perfect: Rehearse your pitch and answers to common questions with a friend. Stay natural—don’t memorize word-for-word.
  • Ask meaningful questions: Have thoughtful questions prepared for each employer, showing you’ve done your research. Avoid basic questions like, “What does your company do?”

What’s New This Year

Based on student feedback, there will be a student welcome lounge on the career fair floor.

In addition, for the first time in-person since 2019, the Fall 2024 Graduate and Law School Information Fair will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 8, from noon to 4 p.m. in Goldstein Auditorium, Schine Student Center. This event is an invaluable opportunity for students to engage directly with representatives from over 100 prestigious graduate and law schools from across the country. Students can gather insights into various programs, admissions processes and what sets each institution apart.

With questions or to request accommodations, contact central Career Services at careers@syr.edu or connect with individual career offices within each school or college.

A young man shakes hands with a representative from Raymour & Flanigan at a career fair booth. The representative, along with her colleague wearing purple shirts, is smiling as they engage with the attendee. Behind them is a banner that reads 'Join our team' and highlights the company as the Northeast's largest furniture retailer. The booth displays various informational materials and brochures on the table, with a mission statement focused on treating their people and customers well.

2023 Fall Career Fair (Photo by Angela Ryan)