Published on Sep 17, 2024

Career fairs are a valuable resource for students of all ages, but with your busy college schedule, you might be wondering, “What benefits do they offer me?” Here’s a breakdown of how career fairs benefits based on your class year:

For Freshmen

Walking around the career fair is a great way to see what kinds of employers are hiring and to familiarize yourself with career fairs. It’s also an opportunity to learn about which companies hire sophomores and juniors for summer internships.

For Sophomores

Attending a career fair is an excellent chance to start looking for internships. It also allows you to network with different companies and other students who may be on a similar career path.

For Juniors

Use the career fair to find your next internship and to start exploring post-grad options. Many employers use internship programs to identify potential full-time hires. Make sure to follow up with recruiters at companies or jobs that interest you after the fair.

For Seniors

Recruiters often make offers months advance, so it’s crucial to attend fall career fairs to learn about career options and follow up with on your applications. Come prepared by submitting applications online and connecting with MU alumni and recruiters at the companies where you are applying.

Career fairs are a powerful tool for students at every stage of their academic journey. They can be an important step in finding internships or your first post-grad job. By actively participating in career fairs you can gain a better understanding of industry expectations, and set yourself up for future success. 

Log into Handshake to RSVP for upcoming fairs, see the list of attending companies, and use filters (school year, major, job type, etc.) to narrow in on the employers you want to speak with!

By Sydney Waldron