Your Fall 2024 Career Fair Guide

What do I say? What do I bring? What do I wear?

Whether you’re searching for an internship, looking to land a full-time job, or just curious about which companies recruit on campus, you don't want to miss our ALL MAJORS CAREER FAIR happening on Thursday, September 26 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. in the IMU Main Lounge (1^st floor) & International Ballroom (2^nd floor)! We’ll have 169 organizations in attendance, all looking to connect with YOU! 

Keep scrolling for tips on how to prepare and present your best self! 

Career Fair Prep Tips

Download the Handshake App

The Handshake app is the best way to research organizations attending the fair and view the fair map so you can easily find where the companies you’re most interested in will be located. 

Go to Do's, Don'ts, & Donuts

Attend one of our fair prep sessions to learn how to work the fair and enjoy some donuts!

• September 17, 12–1 p.m.
• September 23, 3–4 p.m.
• September 24, 3–4 p.m.

Have Your Resume Reviewed

For quick career assistance, meet with our awesome team of Peer Advisors during our drop-in hours of 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Monday-Thursday. Peers also offer virtual appointments throughout the week. They can help you with starting your resume, reviewing a resume draft, preparing for a career fair, and navigating Handshake and our website.

Craft Your Elevator Pitch

Wondering how to introduce yourself to companies? Make sure your pitch is on point and learn more on how to network with employers! Feeling nervous? We'll have on-site career coaching available outside of the Main Lounge so you can practice before going into the fair!

Dress the Part

Dress for the fair is business/smart casual (or professional, if you wish!), but you don’t need to drop a lot of cash to look profesh! Stop by the Clothing Closet and the Queer Trans Clothing Closet for free gently-used professional attire, including shoes and accessories.  

Veteran & Employer Morning Meet Up

If you’re a veteran, make plans to attend the Veteran & Employer Meet Up happening Thursday, Sept. 26, 9:30-10:30 a.m. in 214 Calvin Hall before you head to the fair!

Practice with Mock Interviews

Make sure you’re interview-ready by having a mock interview with one of our employer partners. You’ll be asked general interview questions (like the dreaded, “Tell me about yourself”!) and receive feedback on how you can improve your responses. Having a mock interview is also a great way to network with employers! Sign up on Handshake! (Once in Handshake, click on "Jobs" and search "Mock" in the search bar.)

Use Big Interview

Big Interview can be used to learn and practice interview skills, but it’s also a great tool to use before the Career Fair so you can practice telling others about your skills and why you would be a great hire!

Career Wellbeing Tip

Ask for help! Career preparation and job searching can be overwhelming, but you don't have to do it alone. Build a support system by talking to family, friends, faculty, fellow job-seekers, or mental health professionals about your struggles (and your wins!). Our Career Coaches and Peer Advisors can help you navigate career-related questions and University Counseling Services provides workshops, support groups, group therapy, and individual therapy for any extra mental health support you need.

Networking Tip

Create a LinkedIn profile and keep it up-to-date. This is an easy way to stay connected with recruiters after the fair! We'll also have a LinkedIn Photo Booth at the fair for students to get a free professional headshot! Find us on the second floor, outside of the International Ballroom.

Save the Date

Make sure to check out all the other Career Fairs and events happening this semester:

September Events

• Actuarial Science, Insurance & Risk Management Career Fair, Wednesday, Sept. 18, 1-4 p.m. | International Ballroom, IMU
• Veteran & Employer Morning Meet Up, Thursday, Sept. 26, 9:30-10:30 a.m. | 214
• Fall All Majors Career Fair, Thursday, Sept. 26, 11 a.m. -4 p.m., Main Lounge & International Ballroom

October Events

• Business & IT Trek, Wednesday, Oct. 2 | West Des Moines, IA
• Industry Insights Employer Panel: Arts, Media, & Entertainment, Tuesday, Oct. 8, 3-4 p.m. | Virtual
• Science, Health & Sustainability Career Fair, Tuesday, Oct. 8, 4-6 p.m. | International Ballroom, IMU
• Engineering Career Fair, Thursday, Oct. 10, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Main Lounge & International Ballroom, IMU
• Writing & Publishing Trek, Thursday & Friday, Oct. 17-18 | Chicago, IL
• Industry Insights Employer Panel: Law & Public Service, Tuesday, Oct. 29, 3-4 p.m. | Virtual

November Events

• Therapeutic Recreation Trek: Friday, Nov. 8 | Des Moines, IA
• Forensics & Criminology Trek, Thursday & Friday, Nov. 14-15 | St. Louis, MO
• Industry Insights Employer Panel: Environment & Sustainability, Tuesday, Nov. 19, 3-4 p.m. | Virtual

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