Career & Internship Fair Guide

Mark your calendars! Our Spring 2025 Career and Internship Fair is on Wednesday, January 29 from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. in Alumni Hall at the Indiana Memorial Union.?

Are you ready to take the next step in your professional journey? The Career and Internship Fair is the perfect opportunity to connect with top employers, explore career paths, and build relationships that could shape your future.

Whether you're seeking internships, full-time positions, or just looking to expand your network, the Career and Internship Fair is the place for you! It's more than just a chance to hand out your resume—it's an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations with employers and gain insights that could set you apart in the job market.

?? Our Advice

??? Develop your Pitch

Learn to elevate your professional experience to employers through an elevator pitch!?

An elevator pitch is a 10-to-15 second introduction that includes:

• Who you are (major, interests)
• What you can offer them (skills, experience)
• What you’re looking for (show tailored interest in the company)
• A good follow-up question that is organization-specific

A good example of a pitch would be:?

Hi, I’m Jordan Wang, a junior at IU majoring in merchandising. I interned last summer with a designer in New York that really piqued my interest in clothes designed for customers with disabilities. I’m hoping to complete another internship in a related area this summer. I know your company recently developed a line of activewear for customers with disabilities. What does the process for creating such an innovative line look like?

?? Do your Research

Company recruiters are there to answer your questions, too, so be sure to come prepared.?

Find answers to as many of the following questions as you can, depending on the type of position you seek. It shows the person you are speaking with that you are serious about your candidacy.

Some sample questions for internship-seekers:

• What experience or skills might I obtain as an intern with your organization?
• Do you offer internships paid or for academic credit?
• Do many of your interns become full-time employees after their internship?
• What is your favorite part about working for this organization?

Some sample questions for job-seekers:?

• What skills do you look for in potential applicants?
• What types of previous work experience do you look for in a candidate?
• What’s the best way to apply and how long does the process usually take?
• Will you be holding interviews on campus?
• What’s the best way for me to follow up on my interest in your organization or in this position?

?? Prepare to Answer Questions

The recruiter may ask you questions about your experience and what you are looking for in a career or internship opportunity.

Be sure to prepare some answers to some of these commonly asked questions.?

• When are you available to begin working?
• Are you interested in full-time or internship opportunities?
• What kind of position are you looking for?
• Which geographic areas are you interested in?
• Why did you stop at our table today?
• May I have a copy of your resume?

?? Stay in Touch

Unless you have made other arrangements, follow up with the recruiter within two weeks. Employers often leave fairs with hundreds of resumes, but less than five percent of students follow up. This can give you a major advantage over other applicants.

?? Career Fair Prep

Don’t let the fear of being underprepared stop you from attending the event! The Walter Center has a series of resources to help students thrive at the Career and Internship Fair!?

? Career Studio Preparation Hours

Stop by the Career Studio to perfect your resume, practice your elevator pitch and learn more information about the Career Fair itself! Located on the 2nd floor of Ernie Pyle Hall, our staff of professionally trained Peer Career Coaches are eager to give you personalized advice for how to set yourself up for success.?

There will be dedicated Career Fair Preparation drop-in hours on January 27-28 from 11-3 p.m. and appointment times available outside of these hours. More information can be found here on our website.?

?? You've Got This!

As you prepare for the Spring 2025 Career and Internship Fair, remember that success comes from more than just having a polished resume—it’s about making genuine connections, showcasing your potential, and demonstrating your enthusiasm for the opportunities ahead.

Take full advantage of this event to explore, learn, and expand your professional network. Whether it leads to an internship, a job offer, or simply valuable career advice, the relationships you build could help you with future successes!?

Mark your calendars, sharpen your resume, and prepare to make lasting impressions. Your career goals can be started here!