Career fairs can feel overwhelming — crowded rooms, long lines, and dozens of employers all competing for your attention. But the students who get the most out of a career fair don't just show up and hope for the best. They arrive with a plan.

Here's a step-by-step strategy to help you approach the Spring Career & Internship Fair on February 18 with intention and confidence.

1. Review the Fair Directory in Advance

Before the fair, take time to explore the list of attending employers. This helps you avoid wandering aimlessly and allows you to prioritize companies that genuinely align with your interests and experience.

2. Match Your Skills to Employer Needs

As you review the directory, ask yourself: Which employers are seeking skills I already have — or want to develop? Highlight organizations whose roles match your background, coursework, or transferable skills. Choose 3-5 priority employers and 2 backup options.

3. Visit the Employer's Career Site

Next, go directly to the company's career page. Look for open roles, internships, or entry-level positions that interest you. Having a specific job in mind makes your conversation more focused and memorable.

4. Identify a Role You'd Apply For

Choose one or two positions that feel like a strong fit. Take note of the job title and basic qualifications so you can reference them confidently during your conversation at the fair. Prepare a quick 20-30 second introduction connecting your skills to the role.

5. Go to the Booth with Purpose

When you approach the employer's booth, introduce yourself and mention the role you're interested in. For example:

"I'm really interested in the [XYZ position] I saw on your website. Is there someone on your team I could speak with about it?"

This shows preparation, initiative, and genuine interest — qualities recruiters appreciate.

6. Make the Connection Personal

If you speak with a recruiter or team member, ask thoughtful questions about the role and the team. Take notes if you can, and be sure to ask for their contact information or the best way to follow up.

7. Follow Up with a Targeted Message

After the fair, send a brief follow-up email or LinkedIn message with the following:

• That you met [name of recruiter] at the UMBC Career Fair
• The specific role you discussed
• Thank them for their time

This follow-up turns a quick conversation into a warm lead.

8. Build Momentum

While nothing is guaranteed, this strategy increases your chances of being remembered, referred, or encouraged to apply. Career fairs aren't about instant offers — they're about starting relationships that move your job search forward. And if you don't hear back, that doesn't mean you failed. Use this experience as an opportunity to refine your approach for the next fair or career-related event.

Put the Strategy into Action

Ready to try this approach for yourself? Join us at the Spring Career & Internship Fair on February 18 and put your strategy to work. Preparation plus follow-through can turn one conversation into your next opportunity.

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! 

Believe it or not, it’s almost time for the Spring 2025 Career & Internship Fair on Friday, February 7, from 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM at the Retriever Activities Center (RAC). This is the Career Center’s biggest event of the semester and we want to make sure that you feel adequately prepared. That’s why we’ve pulled together these tips that will be essential for your success.

1. Do Your Homework. We strongly suggest that you come to the fair knowing exactly who you want to talk to and where their booth is located. How do you find that information? By checking out the Career Fair Directory, and maybe even marking the location of your top employers on a hard copy or digital copy of the floorplan. Then, plan out your route so that you’re most efficient with your time. Consider visiting in-demand companies first if they have longer lines. Take a look at their current job openings to have a more focused conversation. And be ready to give them your best 30-second commercial.
   
   
2. Prep Your Materials. Once you know where to go at the fair, you need to make sure that your resume is updated and ready. Are all of your most recent and relevant experiences listed on your document, with bullet points that clearly state the impact you’ve made at that particular organization? Does your resume incorporate industry keywords that demonstrate your alignment with job posts of interest? If you need help, come to our drop-in hours at the Center. We’ll help you determine the skills and accomplishments that should be highlighted to help you stand out.
   
   
3. Leverage Handshake. In addition to the Career Fair Directory, you can review a list of employers on Handshake as well. New this semester, we’re adding a QR code to every employer table so you can check-in and your information is captured by the company. This will get you connected to the company more easily and allow you to more properly follow up after the fair (more on that below). You can also upload your most recent resume onto Handshake at the fair (so have your resume on your device) or prior to the fair so the company has that information readily available as well. Be sure that your Handshake profile is complete ahead of time and consider setting your profile to public.
   
   
4. Follow Up Post Fair. According to our latest UMBC Careers Unleashed podcast episode on Stress-Free Networking, you don’t need to worry about having little face time with employers at events like career fairs because it’s all about the follow up. What does this mean? You need to be intentional with how to (re)connect with the professionals you met at the fair. Send them a message or email reminding them of the context of your conversation. Don’t say something like, “you probably don’t remember me” because that’s presumptuous. Just thank them for the time you had at the fair and ask for another brief meeting or phone call to ask a few more questions. If you were unable to get their contact info at the fair, search for them on LinkedIn or Handshake and reach out from there.
   
   

With these essential tips, you’ll hopefully be fully prepared and ready to make connections at the Spring Internship & Career Fair. Best of luck, and we’ll see you at the RAC on February 7.

It’s time for our Fall 2024 Career & Internship Fair! Before you join us on Wednesday, September 18, from 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM, we wanted to share some recommendations on how to make the MOST of your time at the Retriever Activities Center.

MAP your route. Review the employer directory (you can also see a list of employers on Handshake) and determine who you might want to speak with at the Career Fair. Take special note of companies that are hiring within your major and/or your career trajectory of interest. Download the map in the directory and either print it out or notate electronically the booths where these employers will be located. That way, once you arrive at the Career Fair you’ll know exactly where you want to go and who you want to talk to.

OPTIMIZE your resume. Your route is planned, so now you want to make sure that your resume is in top shape prior to the Career Fair. That includes having it clearly and concisely list relevant information, accomplishments, skills, and experience, as well as the top keywords in your industry of interest. If you need some help knowing where to incorporate worthwhile edits, you can review some tips and samples on our website, or stop by our live drop-in hours Monday-Thursday 2-4 PM at the Center. We also have virtual/evening express hours on Fridays from 2-4 PM and one evening per week from 5-7 PM, which can be scheduled in Handshake. Once your resume is ready, print out 15-20 copies and keep them in a folder or padfolio the day of the Career Fair.

SELL your skills. Now that you know who you want to talk to and have an optimized resume, it’s time to practice what you’ll say to these employers. This is where your 30-second commercial comes in. A 30-second commercial (also known as an elevator pitch) is an opportunity to let employers know who you are, highlight a few of your accomplishments, and share how you might bring value to their organization. Before the Career Fair, think about your 30-second commercial. Write it down, and practice it a few times — either in front of a mirror or maybe even in front of family members or friends. You can also use the resource Big Interview and record yourself responding to the “Tell me about yourself” prompt.

TALK to your connections. Once you’ve passed out your resumes and sold employers on your abilities, the work doesn’t end there. After the Career Fair is officially over you want to take the time to follow-up with employers that you were most interested in. This could range from sending a LinkedIn connection request, sending over your resume, or sending an email with specific details about your conversation. With this in mind, it might be worth bringing a piece of paper or a notebook to the fair so you can jot down pieces of conversations you want to remember and draw from in your follow-up correspondence. This allows your messages/emails to be fully personalized, and will make you even more memorable.

By MAPPING your route, OPTIMIZING your resume, SELLING your skills, and TALKING to your connections, you’ll be making the MOST out of your Career Fair experience. Best of luck out there and see you soon!

The Spring 2024 Career & Internship Fair is officially almost here! Before you join us at the Retriever Activities Center (RAC) on Friday, February 9, from 11:30-3:30 PM, we wanted to share a few final tips and recommendations so that you are fully prepared for the event and get the most out of your Career Fair experience.

• Research Employers Beforehand. We are breaking records by having the LARGEST number of employers to date at this event! To ensure you're speaking to the right-fit companies for you on Friday, do your homework beforehand. Download the Career Fair Directory, make note of employers of interest, and plan your route in advance. You can review employers on Handshake as well.
• For International Students: this year we've included a page in the directory listing employers hiring international students. Be sure to check that out on page 6!

• Dress the Part. Your outfit for the Career Fair should not be an afterthought. Plan a wardrobe that aims to impress by selecting business casual or even business formal attire. Some ideas include: dress pants and shirts, suits, dresses, blazers, and jackets. Pick colors and patterns that show your personality but are also professional. Make sure what your wearing is comfortable too, as you'll be walking around the RAC. Give yourself room to breathe by not wearing something too form fitting, and comfortable footwear should be considered too.

• Have Your Resume Ready.  List your contact information, accomplishments, skills, and experience. Need a little help with your resume? No problem! We have some tips and samples here, as well as hold live drop-in hours at the Center. Once your resume is good to go, be sure to print out around 15-20 copies and keep them in a folder or padfolio for you to carry around, and bring them with you to the fair. You may also want to bring pens, extra paper, and a place to hold onto business cards.
  
  
• Perfect Your Pitch. So you've done your research, you look professional, and you have your resumes on hand. Now it's time to know what you're going to say to employers once you walk up to their booths. This is where your 30-second commercial, or elevator pitch comes in. For your pitch, you should let employers know who you are, highlight a few accomplishments, and how you'd bring value to their organization. You can practice your pitch using Big Interview, where you can practice answering the "Tell me about yourself" prompt.

By taking these tips and recommendations into consideration, you should have everything you need to make the most out of the Spring Career & Internship Fair. Best of luck out there, and we'll see you at the Career Fair soon!