Career Expo Preparation for Graduates

Most students walk away from career fairs with free pens. I walked away with 2 internships. Here’s exactly how I did it — and how you can too. ⏳ Career Fair success starts before the fair. Not during. Not the night before. Weeks before. 🔍 Step 1: Research smart Pick 10–15 companies you’d actually want to work for. If you're an international student, check myvisajobs.com to find visa sponsors fast. I used this strategy to land an internship at American Airlines. They were working on predictive analytics to cut flight delays — so I pitched how my final project on time series forecasting could help. 🎓 One thing Dr. B.P.S. Murthi taught us stuck with me: Don’t act like a student. Act like a consultant. Know the company’s problems — and show how you can solve one. 💡 Use this ChatGPT prompt: “Summarize what [Company] does, who their customers are, and 3 challenges they’re likely solving. Then explain how a student or intern could help.” 🤝 Step 2: Connect early Search [Company] + University Recruiter on LinkedIn. ✅ Connect. ✅ Send a short message on LinkedIn/ cold email: “Hi [Name], I’m [Your Name], a [Major] student at [University]. Looking forward to meeting [Company] at the career fair — especially curious how your team handles [project/problem].” One recruiter replied: "Thanks for reaching out — excited to chat more about your project!" That message made the booth conversation effortless. 📊 Step 3: Walk in with a tracker Use a simple Excel sheet: | Company | Recruiter | Role | Notes | Example: | American Airlines | Sarah J. | Data Analyst Intern | Mention time series forecasting + automation | | Dell | Priya S. | Data Intern | Ask about GenAI + internal LLM use cases | 💬 Use this ChatGPT prompt: “Here’s their LinkedIn profile. Here’s mine. Give me 3 conversation starters I can use.” 📇 Step 4: Go digital + Print Business Cards Make business cards with a QR code to your LinkedIn or resume. → Canva: design your card → HiHello or Beaconstac: create a QR code → Vistaprint: get it printed 🧠 I added a tagline under my name: "Turning messy data into decisions." 🖼️ Add a small photo so they remember your face. ✍️ Write a quick note on the card after each chat: “Enjoyed talking about data automation!” Most students show up. Few stand out. So you better be that person. 📌 Next up → how to build a tracker + elevator pitch that actually gets remembered. #CareerFairSeason #InternshipTips #DataAnalytics #JobSearchStrategy #InternationalStudents #NetworkingTips #CareerDevelopment #LinkedInTips #StudentSuccess #CollegeToCareer

“So what do you guys do?” I heard this question at least 20 times while walking the floor at the Hiring Our Heroes career summit today. Each time, I watched the recruiter’s enthusiasm deflate just a little. Here’s the reality about career fairs and networking events… Most attendees show up completely unprepared. They wander from table to table, avoid eye contact, grab swag, and ask generic questions that scream “I have no idea who you are or what you do.” But the prepared candidates? They stand out immediately. After speaking at today’s summit and connecting with dozens of warriors and military spouses, here’s what separates the memorable from the forgettable… 🔸 Research the employer list before you arrive. Almost every event publishes attendees ahead of time 🔸 Apply to specific roles beforehand. Show up knowing exactly which positions interest you 🔸 Map your target tables strategically. Don’t follow the crowd, create your own focused route 🔸 Lead with knowledge, not questions. “I love the new initiative you launched…” beats “What do you guys do?” 🔸 Reference specific roles by title and location. “I saw your Business Development Manager position in Dallas…” The difference was striking today. One military spouse walked up to a recruiter and said, “I’ve been following your company’s expansion into renewable energy. I actually applied for your Project Coordinator role in San Antonio yesterday.” That recruiter immediately pulled out their phone, took notes, and scheduled a follow-up call. Meanwhile, the unprepared candidates got polite smiles and business cards that will never get used. Your mission prep for the next career event… 🔸 Download the employer list 2 weeks out 🔸 Research 10-15 target companies thoroughly 🔸 Apply to 3-5 roles that genuinely interest you 🔸 Prepare company-specific talking points 🔸 Bring copies of your resume tailored to top choices Career fairs aren’t networking events. They’re job interviews in disguise. Treat them like the mission-critical operations they are. What’s the best career fair preparation tip you’ve discovered?

80% of students find career fairs overwhelming. Here’s how I made Rutgers’ work for me: Upcoming graduation means attending more career fairs. Academic fairs can be chaotic, but a little planning helped me show up fully, without burning out. Sharing what worked: 🔥 Most Underrated Arrive early with thorough research on companies you like. Event portals usually list all the attending companies and their websites — use that. Check for sponsorship status, open roles, and whether they align with your interests or skills. It helps you start stronger conversations and avoid booths that might not be relevant to your goals. Saves time and energy. 🧠 5 Minutes > Small Talk A quick scan of each company’s open roles helped me skip “What do you do?” and ask questions that actually mattered to both sides. 🎯 10 Booths > 30 I focused on AI, healthcare, and data roles. Mostly because of my internship and academic experiences made me a better fit. Prioritizing meant fewer convos, but better ones — with space to actually connect. 📍 Map Your Route Early Since booths were grouped by department, planning my path saved energy and avoided the lines that weren’t relevant to my field. 📄 Resumes as Icebreakers I brought a few tailored versions plus a general one. One recruiter actually told me, “This matches our needs more than anything I’ve seen today.” 💬 No Pitch, Just Curiosity I skipped the rehearsed intro for med-tech especially and started with: “I’m working in health AI and data and looking to grow in that space — what’s your team focused on these days?” Way better engagement. 💡 Bonus: Snap a photo Not for social. Just to remind yourself later — you showed up. It felt like a successful fair — not because of leads, but because I stayed present, calm, and intentional. That’s a win. P.S. I’ve been working with a health AI startup and have seen the hiring side too — good prep really does stand out. Always open to connecting with folks building in AI, healthcare, or data — happy to exchange insights or learn about what teams are working on. #RutgersCareerFair #CSGrad2025 #WomenInTech #HealthcareAI

Spending time with students, both graduate and undergraduate, this fall revealed just how challenging the job market is for those starting their careers. AI is changing the nature of work and has truly impacted how employers view entry-level roles – both in hiring numbers and in skill requirements. The pressure to differentiate is as high as it's ever been. In my MGT 499 class at the Haslam College of Business at the University of Tennessee we spent a lot of time talking about career development and what it takes to create/maintain a high-growth career. For the topic of job searches/interviewing I was delighted to have Amy Steinman, CHRO, and Dayna Pacini, Talent Acquisition Leader, from SCIENTIFIC GAMES speak to the class about what it takes to be recruiting-ready today. Their insights and guidance – too good not to share!  Thank you, Amy and Dayna! Interviewing – prepare as if you were an athlete conditioning for a big game. Research the company, note their values and mission, recent press releases, size of the company, types of positions they post on their website. Think of a few things to say or questions to ask based on this research. You want them to say "he/she did their homework."  - Look up the interviewers in LinkedIn. Find a casual conversation starter that shows you looked into them and are interested in who they are.  - Expect situation/behavioral-based questions. “Tell me about a time when…” Use the STAR approach (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Prepare examples and practice them thoroughly. - Use AI search engines, Glassdoor, Reddit, etc to find interview questions. - Here is the tough advice... Practice and record yourself. No more than 2-3 mins to answer, giving the situation, what you did, how you engaged with others and what was the outcome. Watch the recording, repeat. - Once you feel you are ready, practice with an experienced interviewer and get their feedback. Resumes - Focus on results on your resumes and don’t undersell your experience. For example… “Business Development role – averaged 4 items per transaction when the sales center average was 2.” Another example… “Best quarter sold 75k – noted as top seller in the group, 25% above the 2nd highest seller.”  - Compare the job posting to your resume and use key words that will ensure you show up in the company’s ATS (applicant tracking system) search, which is the first screen before a recruiter sees you. - Keep it brief – likely no more than one page. Employers only skim the first few bullets of each job. Less is best! You can expand in an interview A note on Artificial Intelligence - AI can make you smarter, it can also have the opposite effect Leverage AI to prepare, find interview questions, determine key words for your resume - But don’t engage in AI mindlessly. This applies to your interview and also your career. Don’t cut and paste, ensure it is YOUR voice you are presenting. Employers are savvy and we know when someone is phoning it in GOOD LUCK!

So... here's how to hack your Career Fair 🎓 1》Do your homework before you show up to the Career Fair hall. You should know the companies attending, and the subset of those you are interested in. Target ~5 and do your best to talk to them. Research their different business areas, headquarter location, and core competencies within their industry. Read up on recent news related to the companies. Lastly, read which specific requisition IDs (role title, team/product, location) the company is hiring for. 2》While you are in line waiting to speak to the recruiter, shake hands and introduce yourself to the person in front of you and behind you. Ask them about their background and share yours. Not only is this a great warm up for your elevator pitch, but you're putting yourself in the right energy state so that you're ready to crush it. (Also, it makes the 15min wait way less painful/awkward) 3》When you're talking to the recruiter, it's not a conversation. It's a sales pitch. "Sell me this pen" ... but you're the pen. And the company you are speaking to needs to write a book by the end of the year and they're looking for the right kind of pen. So convince them that you are ☆ Competent in the specific skills they need (share previous experience/projects) ☆ Cooperative (share examples of teamwork/leadership) ☆ Willing to Learn (share a story about how you overcame a difficult challenge or learned a new skill) 4》Ask a good question at the end, dont waste it. Ok, I'm giving away the sauce here, but here's what I used in undergrad: "Is there anything else I can share that would convince you I'm a solid fit for this role?" This question is good for a number of reasons, but mainly it allows the recruiter to ask about any reservations about you and potentially gives you a chance to supplement the conversation with relevant info. 5》Don't take it personally if you don't hear back, get ghosted, no interviews, or rejected. This whole thing is an imperfect set matching between (Applicants) and (Roles). Just keep applying, following up, and sharpening your skills in the meantime. Good luck 🛠 #fieldnote #careerfairs

What I Wish I Knew Before Attending a Career Fair (NSBE Edition + More) With NSBE just a few days away—and career fairs happening across campuses—here are five key pieces of advice I wish I knew before stepping into my first one. Whether you’re looking for internships, full-time roles, or just expanding your network, these tips will help you maximize your experience. 1️⃣ Research is Everything Don’t just look up what the company does—go deeper. Understand their values, initiatives, recent projects, and how they align with your own goals. If they’ve launched a new product or announced a big initiative, mention it in conversation! It shows genuine interest and helps you stand out. 2️⃣ Your Resume is a Tool, Not a Crutch Your resume gets your foot in the door, but you need to know it inside and out. Recruiters will ask you to expand on your experiences—be ready to articulate what you did, the impact you made, and what you learned beyond what’s written on paper. 3️⃣ Confidence Over Perfection At big career fairs like NSBE, AfroTech, or BEYA, you’re competing with thousands of talented candidates. What makes you stand out? Instead of aiming for the “perfect” pitch, focus on showing confidence in your skills and clearly communicating what you bring to the table. Also, ask yourself: What can this company do for me, too? It’s a two-way street! 4️⃣ Follow-Ups Matter A connection isn’t truly a connection if you don’t nurture it. After meeting a recruiter or industry professional, follow up with a thank-you email or LinkedIn message. Mention something specific from your conversation to make it memorable. Consistent follow-ups turn a quick chat into a lasting relationship. 5️⃣ Have a Game Plan For massive career fairs, don’t go in blind. Review the company layout beforehand, make a priority list of booths you want to visit, and strategize your approach. Time flies at these events, and long lines are inevitable—having a plan ensures you maximize your time and hit the companies that matter most to you. If you’re heading to a career fair soon, I hope this helps! What’s the best career fair advice you’ve ever received? Let’s share tips in the comments! Like, comment, and repost for more!

Dear freshers- campus placements coming up? Let’s get you prepped like a pro. I know the feeling- the anxiety, the excitement, the silent pressure. But here’s the truth: You don’t need to know everything- just the right things. A few things that will give you an actual edge: ✨Basic Financial Modelling- Know how to link financial statements and build simple valuation models. This will teach you how all the items in financials behave, as well as give you insight into cashflows and valuations. ✨Advanced Excel- Shortcuts, index-match, nested formulas, pivot tables, slicers, lookups- make Excel your playground. ✨PowerPoint Polish- Clean formatting, slide structuring, making your work look good matters too. Study pitch decks, annual reports- excel Canva and PowerPoint both. ✨Company Research Skills- Learn to read balance sheets, investor decks, and recent news know your target companies cold. Also study the market and prepare handy insights. ✨Mock Interviews (Tech + HR)- Practice talking about your work. You are not just answering- you are showcasing. Prepare definitive points about your resume, and be prepared to walk it through. ✨LinkedIn Profile Optimization- Your digital resume should speak before you do. I am not asking you to create content here, all I am asking is to keep your profile updated with decent 'About', 'Bio', 'Education', 'Skills' and other sections. Right keywords. Right direction. ✨Soft Skills (non-negotiable)  • Body language, etiquette, small talk, conflict resolution  • How to sound confident even when nervous  • How to structure your thoughts before speaking Certifications That Help:   • Financial Modelling & Valuation   • Excel Specialization   • Basic Power BI/ Tableau (if analytics roles interest you)   • Resume Writing Workshops Start preparing like the job is already yours- and you are just showing up to claim it. Also- build your circle. Talk to seniors. Join Telegram groups. Attend webinars. Send that DM. And lastly- Celebrate the journey. You don’t get this time again. LinkedIn LinkedIn Guide to Creating

“Career Fairs Are a Waste of Time! All You Get Is a Free Pen and Some Coffee!” I get it, it’s easy to feel that way. We’ve all been there, leaving with a handful of goodies but no job offer. But remember what Richard L. Evans said: “Don’t let life discourage you; everyone who got where he is had to begin where he was.” In reality, every step counts, and career fairs are no exception. They’re more than just networking events; they’re opportunities to make an impression, expand your network, and show up prepared. You can absolutely walk away with something valuable if you approach it right. Here are some tips to make your next career fair worthwhile: 1. 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐀𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠: Know who will be there, and prioritize the ones aligned with your career goals. Look up their open roles and understand what they’re looking for. 2. 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡: Be ready to introduce yourself concisely and highlight your skills. What makes you unique? Why would you be an asset to them? 3. 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐞𝐬: Customize your resume to highlight skills relevant to the companies you’re interested in. You want recruiters to remember you and see you as a serious candidate. 4. 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐌𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬: Instead of just asking about roles, ask about company culture, the day-to-day, and upcoming projects. Show genuine interest in what they’re doing. 5. 𝐅𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐔𝐩: Don’t just collect business cards; send a follow-up email to reinforce your interest and thank them for their time. This keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your professionalism. Attending a career fair is just one piece of the puzzle. It’s what you do before, during, and after that truly counts. Every step you take moves you closer to where you want to be. Make it count! All the best, may Allah ease our journey. Ameen. -FA-

#AfroTech2025 is officially in motion. If you're heading to the Career Expo today, remember this: the goal isn't just showing up; it's standing out. I spent hours at the Google booth last year speaking with students, early, and seasoned professionals. This gave me a clear view of the difference between attendees who walked away with a contact and those who walked away with a connection. Here are my 3 Rules for Next-Level #AfroTech Networking to make sure your conversations convert: 1) Stop "Browsing"—Start Targeting. • Identify the companies you want to talk to, and have the specific role identified that you are interested in. • Use your limited time with the representative for learning the specifics of that role, team, or hiring timeline—not for asking general questions. 2) Ditch the Resume Walk-Through. • Have your elevator pitch ready. This is not a walk-through of your resume. • Your pitch should only highlight 1-2 key project or internship wins that directly relate to the role you want. Lead with impact, not a history lesson. 3) Prioritize the Digital Connection. • Scan the rep's LinkedIn QR code onsite. If they don't have one, be sure to capture the name and title of the person you spoke with right away. • The digital connection (LinkedIn) is the true follow-up starting line. Pro Tip: Right after the conversation, jot down one unique detail about your chat (e.g., "Discussed their team's new $AI$ project"). You'll use this as the anchor for your follow-up message! What's your go-to networking opener when you approach a booth? Share it! 💬 #AfroTech #Networking #MakingConnections #CareerAdvice #BlackInTech #GoogleCareers

REAL TALK: How to leave NSBE26 with more than just free merch and a tote bag. Conferences like NSBE can genuinely change your life/college experience. But that ONLY happens if you prepare. Here are some tips I’m using and you should too⬇️ ⭐️Research the companies BEFORE you go Do not walk up to a recruiter and say “So what does your company do?” Pick about 10 companies you are genuinely interested in. Look at their internships. Understand what they do. Know why you are interested. ⭐️ Apply to roles before the conference DO NOT wait until the career fair to apply. Many recruiters will just tell you to scan a QR code or apply online anyway. Save yourself the time and apply to roles before the conference. Also try to pre register for company events or interviews if they offer it. Spots fill up fast. ⭐️Fix your resume NOW not the night before Your resume needs to be clear and easy to scan in about ten seconds. Focus on impact. What you built. What you researched. What you improved. Print multiple copies because you will run out. 🫵🏿PRINT THEM OUT NOW AND PUT THEM IN YOUR FOLDER ⭐️Practice introducing yourself Networking is just talking. But talking with purpose. Practice a short introduction about who you are and what you are interested in. [Name, Major, School, What you are passionate about building or researching] Confidence matters more than perfection. ⭐️Do NOT only go to the career fair Some of the best opportunities happen outside of it. Go to workshops Go to company hospitality suites Talk to students from other schools Some of the most valuable connections you will make are with other students who might later refer you. ⭐️Follow up after the conference If you had a good conversation with someone connect with them on LinkedIn. Send a quick message saying it was great meeting them at NSBE. …. When you walk into NSBE you are surrounded by thousands of brilliant Black engineers, innovators, researchers, and future founders…This is what community looks like. Ask questions, learn from people, and be curious You never know which conversation might change your future. See you all in Baltimore.🤗 #NSBE2026 #NSBE #NSBE26 #STEMCommunity #AdvancingSTEM