The Career & Internship Fair on Wednesday, September 17, is your chance to meet recruiters, explore opportunities, and make meaningful connections that can launch your career. To stand out in a crowd of talented students and graduates, a little strategy goes a long way. Here are five creative tips to help you shine on the big day.

1. Research Employers Ahead of Time

Before the fair, browse the list of attending organizations in the Directory and look up job postings on Handshake and company websites of interest. Knowing which roles interest you before arriving at the Fair allows you to approach employers with specific questions and to see if there’s a specific team member to get in touch with. Demonstrate genuine interest when connecting with employers — recruiters always notice.

2. Have Your Information Ready

Because there will be a QR code at every employer booth for you to scan and share your information, make sure your Handshake profile is updated and complete. You also want to upload your latest resume to Handshake as well as keep a resume easily accessible on your phone. A more common practice at fairs in recent years is for employers to ask for a quick emailed resume or upload on their portal. Being ready with digital documentation shows professionalism and preparedness.

3. Gamify Your Goals

Turn your fair experience into a game to keep you motivated. Set specific goals before you arrive — like talking to at least five employers in your field or collecting three relevant business cards. See how you can make the most efficient route by looking up the map of employer booths in the Directory beforehand. This not only keeps you going but also helps you track your progress and stay focused.

4. Team Up with a Friend

Networking can feel intimidating, but you don’t have to go it alone. Partner with a friend to stay energized, practice your 30-second commercials with each other, and share leads on must-visit employers. Just remember to branch out so you each make your own connections and then reconnect to take breaks and compare notes. If you need another way to practice conversations prior to the Fair, check out the Big Interview platform.

5. Wear a Statement Piece

First impressions matter, and a subtle statement accessory — like a bold tie, a bright scarf, or a unique pin — can help you be remembered. Just make sure it complements your professional attire and reflects your personality while keeping things polished. There will be an opportunity to get a professional headshot taken at the Fair as well, so you want to look sharp.

Career Fair Ready!

The Career & Internship Fair is one of the best ways to connect with employers and land internships or full-time roles. Use these tips to get ready and stand out on September 17! We’ll see you there! 

Graduating soon? Whether you’re wrapping up your undergraduate or graduate degree, the final semester isn’t just about finishing papers and projects — it’s also about preparing for what comes next. The good news is that you don’t have to wait until after commencement to start your job search or build your professional momentum. With the right strategy, you can step confidently into the workforce before you toss that cap in the air.

1. Start Early and Stay Organized

Employers often begin recruiting well before graduation dates. Create a system to track job postings, applications, and follow-ups, whether that’s through a platform like Huntr or just a good old spreadsheet. Treat your job search like another class — set deadlines, make checklists, and hold yourself accountable. Find an accountability buddy, if possible, who is also graduating.

2. Leverage Your Network

Your professors, advisors, classmates, and alumni are valuable connections. Share your career goals and ask for advice or introductions. Check out Retrievers Connect or LinkedIn for possible leads to request informational interviews. A single conversation could open doors to opportunities you didn’t even know existed.

3. Polish Your Professional Materials

Your resume and LinkedIn profile should reflect your most recent projects, internships, and accomplishments. Tailor each application to the role you want by emphasizing relevant skills and measurable outcomes. Quantify your achievements whenever you can, and don’t just reiterate your job description. Showcase the impact you’ve made on an organization.

4. Gain Exposure Beyond the Classroom

If you still have time before graduation, consider short-term opportunities like micro-internships, freelance projects, job simulations, or research assistant roles. These experiences show employers your initiative and ability to apply what you’ve learned.

5. Prepare for Interviews with Confidence

Practice common interview questions, prepare stories that highlight your strengths using the STAR technique, and rehearse your 30-second commercial. Confidence comes from preparation — so put in the time now to reduce nerves later. You can even practice by doing a mock interview through the Big Interview platform or by scheduling a Career Center appointment.

Put It All Into Action

Want more strategies to help you transition from student to professional? Join us for the Career Launch Conferenceon September 12 from 12:00-4:00 PM— an action-packed afternoon designed to give you the skills, strategies, and confidence to land your first post-grad role. You’ll learn how to leverage AI tools, impress employers, and make meaningful connections over a free networking lunch. We hope to see you there!

Your personal brand is more than just a resume — it's the story you tell about yourself through your skills, experiences, and online presence. Whether you’re networking, updating LinkedIn, or preparing for interviews, a strong personal brand can set you apart in a competitive job market.

Here’s how to build a compelling brand that reflects your strengths and career goals.

1. Define Your Unique Value

Think about what makes you stand out. What are your key skills? What industries excite you? What problems do you love solving? Your personal brand should reflect your passions, values, and strengths. To gain clarity, consider writing a personal mission statement that summarizes your career goals and what you bring to the table. Or, you can schedule a career exploration appointment with a Career Specialist at the Career Center. We can help!

2. Optimize Your LinkedIn Presence

Your LinkedIn profile is often the first impression recruiters and potential employers have of you. Make sure it reflects your best self by:

• Using a professional headshot and a clear, compelling headline that’s aspirational.
• Writing an engaging summary that highlights your skills, career goals, and personality.
• Showcasing relevant work experience with descriptions of your achievements with attached relevant media.
• Incorporating industry relevant keywords and skills throughout your profile as much as possible.
• Actively engaging with the community by commenting on posts, sharing relevant information, contributing industry insights, and connecting with professionals in your field.

3. Tailor Your Resume and Online Portfolio

Your resume and portfolio should be more than just a list of job titles — they should tell a story. Highlight your most impactful experiences and quantify achievements when possible. If applicable, create an online portfolio to showcase your projects, work samples, or even testimonials from colleagues. Think of this all as evidence that ties your accomplishments to your brand.

4. Perfect Your Elevator Pitch

You never know when an opportunity to network will arise, so be prepared with a 30-second commercial that clearly states:

• Who you are
• What you do (or what you aspire to do)
• What makes you unique
• What you’re looking for in your career

Practice your pitch so that it feels natural and confident. Consider using Big Interview and practicing in real-time to the question, “Tell me about yourself.”

5. Stay Consistent Across Platforms

Your brand should be cohesive across LinkedIn, resumes, cover letters, and even personal social media accounts. Consider what font styles, colors, and tone you want to incorporate across all your materials so they’re consistent and a clear embodiment of you. Employers often check social media, so ensure that your online presence aligns with your professional goals. If necessary, clean up your profiles by removing any unprofessional content, or consider looking into privacy settings.

6. Build and Maintain Relationships

Networking is an essential part of personal branding. Build authentic relationships by engaging with mentors, alumni, and professionals in your field, using platforms like Retrievers Connect or LinkedIn. The more visible and engaged you are, the more likely you are to be remembered when opportunities arise.

What’s Next

Want to refine your personal brand and maximize your career potential? Attend the upcoming Keys to Success Workshop on Unlocking Your Personal Brand to learn how to authentically showcase your brand and take control of your career journey!

Speed networking events, like the CNMS Career Connection Social on March 13, offer a unique opportunity to meet professionals, build connections, and gain career insights — all in a fast-paced format. Whether you’re a networking pro or new to these events, preparation and strategy are key.

Here are some tips to make the most of this valuable event:

1. Share an Impactful Introduction
Prepare a 30-second commercial that highlights your name, major, career interests, and a fun fact or personal touch to make you memorable. Practice your delivery to sound confident and authentic. Talking about personal projects is also fair game.

2. Be Curious and Professional

Treat every interaction as an opportunity to connect with others on a deeper level. Make eye contact, smile, and show genuine interest and enthusiasm for the work professionals are doing. The energy you bring leaves a lasting impression, even if your chat is only a few minutes long.

3. Have Questions Ready

Prepare a few thoughtful questions ahead of time. If you have access to the list of attendees ahead of time, look through the list and come up with more tailored questions. In general, you can inquire about career path, company culture, or advice for students entering the field.

3. Use a Digital Business Card

Leave something with the professionals you connect with by creating a digital business card. This can simply be a QR code that leads to your LinkedIn page or online portfolio, or you can create a free one using sites like Popl.

4. Take Notes and Follow Up

Bring a notebook to jot down names, industries, and key takeaways after each conversation. After the event, send follow-up emails or LinkedIn requests to continue building these relationships. It’s never too soon to build a network when you’re on the job market! Check out the tailored AI prompts in our Career Guide for some additional ideas.

Don’t Miss Out!

The CNMS Career Connection Social is your chance to network with professionals in Natural or Mathematical Sciences and build relationships that could shape your future career. RSVP today to secure your spot!

Virtual career fairs are a convenient and effective way to connect with potential employers from anywhere. With the GCC Virtual Career Expo coming up on March 5, now is the perfect time to prepare so you can make a strong impression on employers and maximize your job and internship opportunities.

Here’s how to navigate a virtual career fair successfully:

1. Register and Research Companies Beforehand

Before the event, register here and explore the list of participating employers. Review their websites, job postings, and company culture to identify those that align with your career goals. Make a short list of employers you hope to visit at the virtual career fair. This should be done in order of priority to ensure you don’t miss out on your top choices.

2. Optimize Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile

Update your resume with relevant experience and skills, and have a PDF version ready to upload when you register. Also make sure that your LinkedIn profile is optimized and polished—employers may check prior to the fair to see who they’d like to speak to. If you need help with either of these materials, you can schedule a 1:1 appointment with a Career Advisor.

3. Prepare Your Elevator Pitch

Have a 30-second commercial ready that highlights your background, skills, and career interests. Tailor it for different employers and practice delivering it confidently. If you want to practice in a more simulated environment, log into Big Interview and practice your pitch in response to the “Tell Me About Yourself” prompt.

4. Dress Professionally and Set Up Your Space

Even though it’s a virtual fair, dressing in business casual attire helps make a positive impression should you be invited to speak 1:1 with employers, and can even help you get into a more professional mindset. Find a quiet, well-lit space with a neutral background to minimize distractions.

5. Engage Actively and Ask Thoughtful Questions

Should you be invited to chat with an employer, be professional and engaged. Have questions ready beforehand and ask about the company culture, job opportunities, and the hiring process. Express interest in specific roles rather than just saying you’re looking for a job. You can review job postings within the fair that you can reference in these conversations.

6. Follow Up with Employers

After the fair, send thank-you emails or LinkedIn messages to the employers you connected with 1:1. Reiterate your interest in their company and remind them of your conversation by mentioning something specific and memorable that you discussed. Don’t forget to include the specific job posting you’re interested in as well.

Ready to Register?

The GCC Virtual Career Expo is an excellent opportunity to connect with top employers looking to hire graduate students, postdocs, and alumni from the STEM, Humanities, and Social Sciences fields. Don’t forget to register today and start preparing for a successful job or internship search!