August is here. College students are back on campus, settling into new routines, meeting roommates, picking classes, and filling up their calendars with everything but their future.
There’s one event many students overlook, and it’s the same one they often say they regret skipping: The Career Fair.
We hear it every year:
“I didn’t go because I didn’t feel ready.”
“No one told me how important it was.”
“I didn’t think internships started recruiting this early.”
By the time spring rolls around, it’s often too late. The best opportunities are already gone.
Here Is What Students Should Do:
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1. Start Early for Career Fair Prep
Go online to your school’s career services website now and block your calendar with important dates, especially the career fair. Whether it’s in person or virtual, the career fair is one of the best opportunities to meet recruiters, ask questions, and get noticed. Don’t wait until your schedule fills up with classes and activities. Mark the career fair date now, so it doesn’t sneak up on you.Even if you’re a sophomore or freshman, you should still attend. WHY? Because career fairs are a great way to practice, you’ll see how companies engage with students and what they expect from candidates. And it’s easier to make a strong impression when you show up prepared and early in your college career.
Now is also the time to browse job postings to see what internships or post-grad roles are open and what you can be ready for when you show up at the career fair.
2. Prepare for Career Events
Career fairs can feel overwhelming, but with a little preparation, they become a huge advantage. Planning ahead can be the difference between a missed opportunity and a meaningful conversation with a recruiter.Start here:
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Access our FREE Career Fair Prep Guide for a step-by-step checklist.
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Review the list of employers attending your career fair ahead of time. Pick 5–10 companies that interest you, and make it a point to visit their tables or info sessions.
Next steps:
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Schedule a visit to your school’s career services office. Many offer resume reviews, mock interviews, and a recommended resume template. Take advantage of the tools they provide.
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Print 10–15 copies of your updated resume. Bring a professional padfolio to keep resumes, a notepad, and a pen. Keep your phone out of sight.
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Pack professional attire now…don’t scramble last-minute. A suit and dress shoes for guys; a suit, blouse and slacks, or a conservative dress for women. Look the part so employers can picture you on the job.
Being prepared for the career fair shows confidence and initiative—two things every employer is looking for.
3. What to Say at the Career Fair
Meeting a recruiter at a career fair can feel intimidating but it doesn’t have to be. The key is to keep it simple, confident, and practiced.Here’s how to start the conversation:
Introduce yourself with a smile and eye contact. Offer a firm handshake (if in person).
Say your name, your major, and what year you’re in.
Share the type of internship or job you’re interested in.
Add one reason why you’re excited about their company—and how your skills or experience could be a good fit.Example:
“Hi, I’m Jordan, a junior majoring in economics at Ohio State. I’m interested in a summer internship in financial analytics. I’ve been following your work in sustainable investing, and I’d love to learn more about how my skills in data analysis and research might be useful on your team.”
Practice this out loud with a friend until it feels natural.
4. Follow-Up After the Career Fair
This is one of the most important steps—and the one students often skip.After speaking with a recruiter, ask for their business card or email address. Within 24 hours, send a thank-you note. It can be short and simple. Express appreciation for their time, reference something you discussed, and restate your interest in the company.
Be sure to connect with every recruiter you meet on LinkedIn. If you don’t have a LinkedIn profile yet, this is the time to create one. It is your professional presence online and a key tool for building relationships beyond the fair.
Following up shows maturity, professionalism, and genuine interest—qualities employers are looking for.
If you want support preparing for the career fair or navigating the job search, schedule a complimentary discovery call. At Next Great Step, we guide students to feel confident and career-ready, so they can make the most of these opportunities.
Let’s talk: 973-577-6161 or visit www.nextgreatstep.com to learn more.
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