Each year, the CCD hosts two Career Fairs, one in October, and one in February. Career Fairs connect students and alumni with employers from a variety of industries.
The employers (for-profit, non-profit, and government) recruit for both internship and full-time positions, and they all have the same goal: recruit Boston University students and alumni.
But attending alone isn’t enough to get an interview for one of those positions. You have to stand out, which you can do by preparing in advance and spending your time wisely at the event.
Before the Career Fair: Do Your Homework
- Review the employers scheduled to attend and the positions they are recruiting for on Handshake. Don’t just look at the organizations with name recognition; focus on the position(s) they’re recruiting for.
An organization you have never heard of may have the perfect position for you, so keep an open mind. Make a list of the organizations you want to talk to.
- Update your resume and have it reviewed at the CCD. Be sure to bring multiple copies to the Career Expo.
- Remember to dress professionally on the day of the Career Expo and allow yourself enough time to visit all of the employers that interest you.
At the Career Fair
- When you arrive at the Career Fair, check-in and create a nametag with your name, major, and class year.
- You will receive a list of employers in attendance and a map with their table numbers. On the map, circle the employers that you want to speak with and check out their locations.
- Walk around the entire room to get a feel for the layout and look for the employers you’re planning to talk to.
- Before approaching an employer, practice your elevator pitch. An elevator pitch is a 30-second speech that summarizes who you are and why you’d be a good candidate for the organization. Once you’re comfortable with it, you’re ready to speak with the employers.
- If possible, start with those employers that most interest you.
- Approach the recruiter and introduce yourself. First impressions matter: smile, offer a firm handshake, and make eye contact. Don’t monopolize the recruiter’s time.
- Before you leave each employer’s table, ask what happens next. Ask for a business card so you can send a thank-you note to the recruiter.
We know that it can be hard to get a job, but many students have been hired as a result of attending Career Fairs. Maybe the next student to find a job at the Fair will be you!
BU + Beyond 