On Sept. 24, Career Services will host the annual Fall Career and Internship Fair in the JMA Wireless Dome, where students can meet with employers to see career prospects for internships and post-grad positions. With 193 companies attending, students have a wide variety of companies to see and gain exposure to different career paths. Make sure to register on Handshake!
Why Attend?
Attending the Career and Internship Fair leads to a world of possibilities and exposure that can’t be found anywhere else. With the diversity of companies attending, there will be so much to discuss and learn. There will be so many networking opportunities that could lead to a new career endeavor or learning important things about your desired career path. Gaining exposure to so many different paths and companies can expand your options and perspectives on the workforce. Even if you’re a film major attending an engineering company booth, you have something to offer them as companies are always looking for someone with unique skills that can be applied in different, needed ways.
Attending Companies
With the number of companies coming, there is such a diversity to choose from and prepare for; there is something for everyone here! Companies from across the country are coming in, such as the famous insurance company Aflac harking from Georgia, everyone’s favorite yogurt, Chobani, coming up from New York City, and the largest security company in the world, Allied Universal, flying in from Los Angeles. There are also some bigger companies coming such as the cosmetic company L’Oréal, the consulting company Deloitte, and the engineering focused company Clean Harbors. Smaller local companies will be in attendance as well, such as Thrive Wellness and Recovery, a new, small nonprofit local to Upstate New York, and the market research company Gray Television. These companies can give you some exposure to the workplace environment you may desire!
Career Fair Do’s and Don’ts
Do: Be Open to Any Opportunities. Don’t: Be Closed Off.
Connecting with people is the goal, no matter what company they work for. You never know where different connections can lead to, and you never know where you may fit in a company outside of your desired industry!
Do: Wear Business Clothes. Don’t: Underdress.
It’s important to dress to impress when meeting new people and employers; treat this like an interview and show up in a professional outfit that makes you feel comfortable! For masculine-presenting people, this could be a suit or khakis and a button-up. For feminine-presenting people, this could be a blazer and business pants, a blouse and a longer skirt, or even a nicer dress.
Do: Register Before You Go. Don’t: Expect a Nametag If You Don’t Register.
It’s important to come to the Career and Internship Fair ready to meet with employers as prepared and as quickly as possible. By registering for the event beforehand, you can save yourself the hassle of a late sign-up and get a nametag beforehand that will help with introductions.
Do: Research Companies Beforehand. Don’t: Be Afraid to Ask Questions.
Researching the companies beforehand can help you make conversation easier and even lead to you asking questions that may intrigue them!
Do: Have an Elevator Pitch Prepared. Don’t: Be Too Nervous if It’s Not Perfect.
For elevator pitches, simple is better; something like year, major, career interest, prior experiences and maybe something you enjoy will suffice. With background research on the company, you could tailor your interests or experiences to something relating to the company, but make sure it’s still authentic. Being your genuine self is the most important thing!
Do: Have a Printed Resume. Don’t: Come Unprepared.
Giving something to a company makes a strong impression that you are serious and very interested in speaking with them. Even if you don’t have access to a printer, having a QR code to that leads to your LinkedIn or Handshake account or providing a business card can prove your interest and help potential employers stay connected with you! At Career Services, we offer resume building and reviewing appointments that you can book with us on Handshake.
Do: Make a Pit Stop at the Student Refresh and Relax Space. Don’t: Overwhelm Yourself.
It’s important to take a break and focus on the fun of it! Career exploration and talking to so many people can be fatiguing, especially after a long day of school or work. Take a break with us and recharge! We’re here to help.
Overall, have fun and don’t stress too much! The Career and Internship Fair is practice, and practice makes perfect. Who knows who you’ll meet! And if you decide maybe you’re not ready for the career world yet or your path needs a pit stop at graduate or law school, make sure to register on Handshake for the Graduate and Law School Fair on Oct. 8.
Written By Victoria LaFarge ’25, College of Arts and Sciences