Jill Koehler, associate dean for career development, says that attending the fair can result in gaining a post-graduation job, an internship, a part-time or summer job, admissions tips for graduate programs, to learn about careers and employers, to network with recruiters and to take advantage of the free, professional headshots being taken.

Koehler also gave these tips for students that attend:

• Dress professionally
• Be courteous and enthusiastic
• Bring a portfolio with paper, pen information about the employers you’re interested in (impress the recruiters with your knowledge) and, if you’re looking for a job or internship, bring many copies of your resume to leave with recruiters
• Pick up business cards for current and future job and/or internship searches. In this way, you’re building your contact base
• Introduce yourself (“Hi, my name is …, I am a [class] [major] interested in [occupation or career industry area])
• Ask questions
• After the career fair, send thank you notes and if applicable, a cover letter and resume to employers of interest to you. You can also follow up with a phone call, if appropriate

When it comes to questions to ask, Koehler also suggests these to get the conversation going:

• What are some typical entry level/mid-management positions?
• What are some positions for people interested in…?
• What are some starting locations?
• What are some personal attributes you think are essential to be successful in…?
• What are some professional organizations your company is affiliated with?
• Do you have internship opportunities available? What is the procedure for applying for an internship?
• How many employees are there at your company?
• In what new directions do you see the company going in the next five to ten years?
• What do you believe is the best educational preparations for a career in…?

Koehler also urges students not to ask about salaries. Students should also be dressed professionally. In addition to students attending, alumni are also encouraged to attend. Alumni also have their own development professional at their disposal who can be contacted here.