Career Fair HQ: Your Guide to Prep, Plan & Participate

Attending a career fair or networking night—virtually or in person—is a great way to explore opportunities, connect with employers and take the next step in your career journey. This page is your go-to resource for everything you need to prepare: key dates and locations, registration details, tips to help you stand out, FAQs and links to employer lists and fair-specific info. Whether you’re looking for an internship or full-time role, or just want to start networking, we’ve got you covered.Ìý

Career fairs are a great way to make progress in your job or internship search and connect with employers who will be hiring. Attending the fair can help you expand your professional network. Even if you are not actively job searching, a career fair or networking night can be a great opportunity to meet new employers, learn about a wide variety of opportunities, keep up with industry trends and build confidence in your job or internship search.Ìý

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Fall 2025 Virtual FairsÌý

Sports Industries Virtual Career & Internship FairÌý
Tuesday, Oct. 7 | 4-7 p.m.Ìý
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Arts, History and Culture Virtual Career & Internship FairÌý
Thursday, Oct. 9 | 3-6 p.m.Ìý
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Fall 2025 In-person Fairs

Technology, Innovation and Mathematics Career & Internship FairÌý
Tuesday, Oct. 14 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | UMCÌýÌý
| See employer list

Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering Career & Internship FairÌý
Wednesday, Oct. 15 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | UMCÌýÌý
| See employer list

From Earth to Space: Bio, Science and Exploration Career & Internship FairÌý
Thursday, Oct. 16 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | UMCÌýÌý
| See employer list

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Fall 2025 Networking Nights

Roam Anywhere Industry Networking NightÌý
Tuesday, Oct. 14 | 5:30-8 p.m. | UMCÌýÌý
| See employer list

Career Chats with Forever BuffsÌý
Wednesday, Oct. 22 | 5-7:30 p.m. | UMCÌýÌý
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How to prepare for a career fairÌý

Here are some tips to help you make a great first impression and make the most of the career events taking place this semester. For a quick overview, watch this from Engineering Career Services.Ìý

Attend a career fair prep workshop ÌýÌý

Learn how you can shine at a career fair at one of our . Learn how to improve your resume and ace your conversations. Get a list of the top employers for you to meet at the fair based on your major, industry, interests and skills. Plus, print up to 5 copies of your resume for free and take a professional profile photo in our photo booth!

Do your researchÌýÌýÌý

Take note of the career fairs you’d like to attend. Keep in mind that career fairs are open to all students and companies will be hiring for a wide range of jobs. Review the list of employers who will be attending and make a list of who you’d like to speak with at the fair. New employers are always being added to the list, so regularly check the to see who will be attending.Ìý

We recommend you create a list of 5-8 employers you want to talk to during the fair. Consider employers you have heard of before and those you are not familiar with. Spend time researching their website, specifically looking for a ‘careers’ page. You can learn more about the company on their Handshake, LinkedIn or Glassdoor. Review their mission and values, benefits (salary, insurance, paid time off, etc.), and what employees who work there (or have worked there) say about the organization.Ìý

Update your resume and Handshake profile ÌýÌýÌý

Before you arrive at the fair, be sure to update your Handshake profile with your name and pronouns, current major, resume, skills and a photo. This will help employers get a full picture of who you are and your experience. If there are specific employers that you are planning to chat with during the career fair, make a variation of your resume that is tailored to each employer. Review these tips for creating a memorable resume, and use the free AI resume builder by Quinncia to get personalized, instant feedback on your resume.Ìý

To streamline your employer check-in process during the fair, be sure to download the Handshake app. You can download it from the for iOS or for Android.Ìý

While at the fair, scan the QR code at each employer booth you visit to be added to their queue so they can find your profile, download your resume and connect with you after the fair.Ìý

Prepare for your conversations ÌýÌýÌý

Practice introducing yourself to employers. Start by sharing your name, year in school and major or area of interest. Talk about the positions you’re interested in, and some relevant skills or experiences.ÌýÌý

You should also prepare two or three questions to ask each employer. These should be related to the company or positions you’re interested in. As part of your research before the event, make sure your questions are insightful and not easily answered by looking at their website. Here are some sample questions that might be good to ask:Ìý

  • How did your degree help you prepare for the position you are in now?
  • I read that your company just started a project doing _______. What opportunities would an intern/new team member have in this project?
  • What do you like most about your job and working for _______?
  • I am interested in following up with you about your job opening. Could you tell me the next steps in the process? And could you give me your email address so that I can follow up with you in a few days?Ìý

Attend workshops ÌýÌý

For more tips to help you prepare for career fairs, check out our workshops and events.Ìý

Tips for attending a career fair

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What to wear

Professional attire expectations are changing. Wear clothing that is comfortable, reflective of your identity and aligns with the context of the job you’re seeking. This can put you in a better mindset and help you make a good first impression.Ìý

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What to bring

There will be no bag or coat drop, so plan to carry what you bring. You will need:Ìý

  1. Your Buff OneCard.
  2. Multiple copies of your resume or a digital copy.
  3. Pen and paper to take notes after you’ve spoken with an organization.
  4. A list of questions ready for employers.
  5. Your phone to view the list of employers and to virtually check in with each employer you meet with.Ìý

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Take notes

Bring a notebook and pen so you can keep track of notes and follow-up items. Take note of what you liked or didn’t like about the company. You’ll want to reference these notes later if you’re invested for an interview.ÌýÌý

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Talk with employers

Refer to the website to identify where the employers you want to talk to are located within the room. We recommend you start with an employer you are not as excited about and then prioritize the companies you are most interested in to talk with after you warm up. There may be lines for certain employers, and thus you may want to start with employers who have less traffic.ÌýÌý

Consider talking with organizations that you are not familiar with. You can do some quick research on your own or can get help from the Career Services staff at the information table.ÌýÌý

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Tips for virtual fairs

  • Review .
  • Learn how to .
  • Get tips on .
  • Learn how to .Ìý

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What to do after the fair

If you received contact information from a company representative, send them an email after your conversation. Reintroduce yourself (remember, they will chat with many students at the fair) and thank them for their time. Use your notes to recall something that you discussed or enjoyed about the conversation, and let them know you’re interested in moving to the next step in the process.Ìý

Navigating the Fair with Ease: Accessibility Resources for Students

Attending an in-person career fair can be exciting—but it can also feel overwhelming. Whether you’re navigating a busy space, managing sensory sensitivities or just want to feel more at ease, these tips are here to help you feel confident, comfortable and supported. We’ve gathered key info to help you plan ahead.Ìý

If you need accommodations or have questions, our Career Services team is here for you—just stop by the info table or email us at careerservicesevents@colorado.edu.Ìý

ÌýÌý Nervous about crowds? There is usually a big rush when the fair starts. If you want to avoid the crowd, come later into the event timeframe. The smaller conference room 235 (across from the ballroom) may also have additional employers, so start there!Ìý

ÌýÌý Check in with yourself. If you are feeling overwhelmed, feel free to take a break and leave the fair until you feel ready to come back. You will be able to get a new name tag when you return, if you need one.Ìý

Some UMC study spots include:Ìý

  • First floor – Dining area or outdoor by the fountain
  • Second floor – Veterans Memorial Lounge or SECA Lounge
  • Third floor – Hallway study pods, lounges and conference rooms 382, 384, 386 (if not being used)
  • Fourth floor – Atrium seating areas
  • Fifth floor – Lounge and outdoor terraceÌý

Navigating the UMC

  • Entrance: We recommend you enter the fair from the south terrace of the UMC. This entrance includes a ramp and leads directly to the fair check-in area.
  • Parking: ADA-accessible parking is available in the Euclid garage and in the blue metered spaces in lot 203.
  • Places to pray: The UMC has a reflection room space on the second floor (in the Student Engagement & Collaboration Area – SECA lounge). Request access from the second floor reception desk. Check the Muslim Student Association website for a list of additional prayer spaces on campus.Ìý
  • Restrooms: The UMC has several all-gender and ADA-accessible restrooms throughout the building. Refer to the building map for locations.
  • Printing: You can print your resume or other documents at the Ink Spot, on the first floor of the UMC, near the UMC Market. Check their operating hours and place online orders on .
  • Lactation room: The UMC has a lactation room on the first floor (room 132). Request the key from the reception desk on the second floor.Ìý