In Case You Missed It: CAPD recently hosted a Q&A event featuring MIT students who navigated past Fall Career Fairs as first-year students. They shared valuable insights on what to expect at your first career fair, and how to feel confident engaging with employers. If you couldn’t attend, don’t worry! This blog post captures the key takeaways to help you prepare for the upcoming 2024 Fall Career Fair.

Navigating a career fair as a first-year student can feel daunting, but it’s a fantastic opportunity to engage in career exploration and kickstart your career development journey. Here’s a step-by-step guide to make the most of your experience at the fair.

Arrival and first-year early access

The main event is scheduled for Friday, September 20 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM in the Johnson Athletic Center, but as a first-year student, you’re encouraged to arrive at 9:00 AM. Early arrival will help you breeze through registration, avoid lines, and settle in comfortably.

• 9:00 – 9:30 AM: Use this time to find a seat in the gymnasium, familiarize yourself with the layout, and mentally prepare for your conversations with employers.
• 9:30 AM: Exclusive first-year early access officially kicks off, and you’ll have the chance to start engaging with First-Year Friendly (FYF) Employers. These companies are excited to meet first-year students like you, and are eager to build early connections.

Arriving early not only gives you a head start but also allows you to ease into the environment, review your notes, and strategize your approach.

The First-Year Friendly (FYF) Initiative

The FYF initiative at MIT’s Fall Career Fair supports MIT first year undergraduate students as they transition into the world of career exploration and competitive job markets. Companies labeled as “FYF” on our filterable spreadsheet of employers are specifically interested in engaging with students at the start of their academic journey. We also have a booth map to help you navigate the fair easily. These employers understand the value of connecting early and are open to career exploration conversations. Companies labeled as “FYF+” on the spreadsheet indicate that the company is open to first-year applicants for internship roles and/or has first year-specific internship programs.

Pre-fair checklist

To make the most of the career fair, preparation is key. Here’s a checklist to help you get started:

1. Register to attend on Handshake.
2. Review the list of FYF/FYF+ employers. You can find the booth map on Handshake!
3. Identify companies of interest: Make a list of companies you want to connect with, and do some research on them.
4. Prepare your elevator pitch: Craft a brief introduction about yourself, highlighting your interests and what you hope to learn or achieve.
5. Update your resume: Be prepared to share a copy of your resume (physical or digital copy) with employers that you speak with.

What to wear

There will be a spectrum of outfits at the career fair, ranging from casual to business formal. The most important thing is to wear something that makes you feel comfortable and confident when engaging with employers. Aim for attire that is clean and put-together—avoid clothing with holes, rips, or tears. Whether you prefer a more casual look or something more formal, choose an outfit that reflects your professional approach while allowing you to move freely and comfortably throughout the day.

What to bring

• Your MIT ID: A physical copy is best for a quick and easy check-in.
• Resumes: Bring 10-20 copies to share with potential employers. Have a digital copy of your resume handy as well, and consider creating or updating your LinkedIn profile.
• Folder or padfolio: Use this to organize your resumes, company brochures, and any business cards you collect.
• Notebook: Jot down notes during your conversations to remember key details about each employer.

Following up with employers

1. Join employer mailing lists: This is a great way to stay connected and show your interest in the company.
2. Send a follow-up email: Within 24-48 hours send a personalized follow-up email to the recruiters or technical representatives that you spoke with. Thank them for their time, briefly mention a topic you discussed, and reiterate your interest in their company or opportunities. Keep it concise, professional, and genuine!
3. Connect on social media: Many companies share updates and job posting on social media platforms. You can also also send a LinkedIn connection request with a personalized message mentioning your conversation at the career fair. This helps you stay on their radar and expand your professional network.
4. Apply to open positions promptly: If the employer mentioned current opportunities that you’re interested in pursuing, apply as soon as possible while your interaction is still fresh in their minds — and yours!

Upcoming opportunities to help you prepare

• Attend upcoming events: Participate in CAPD’s upcoming workshops and presentations to gain insight from CAPD’s advisors and our employer partners, and get advice on how to navigate the fair.
• Schedule one-on-one advising appointments: Meet with career advisors for personalized guidance tailored to your career goals and questions.

A unique opportunity to explore career paths

The career fair is not just about landing an internship or job—it’s also a fantastic chance to explore various career paths and industries. By speaking with employers across different fields, you can learn about roles and career trajectories you might not have considered before. This is especially valuable as a first-year student when you’re still figuring out your interests and potential career directions.

• Ask questions: Don’t hesitate to ask employers about their day-to-day work, company culture, and the skills they value most. These insights can help you understand what paths might align with your passions and strengths.
• Discover new industries: You might start with a specific industry in mind but keep an open mind to explore others that catch your interest. Learning about different sectors can broaden your perspective and help you make more informed decisions about your future career.

Making the most of your day

Arrive with a plan, but also stay open to unexpected opportunities. Start with your top-choice companies but be flexible and willing to explore other options. Remember to take breaks as needed—career fairs can be overwhelming, and it’s okay to step away to recharge.

By arriving early, preparing thoroughly, and making meaningful connections, you’ll turn the career fair into a productive and enjoyable experience. Good luck, and have fun!