The First Year Friendly (FYF) initiative at MIT’s 2024 Fall Career Fair is here to help you make the most of the event by connecting you with employers who are eager to engage with first-year students. Below, I’ve compiled tips directly from our First Year Friendly Fall Career Fair employers on how you can make meaningful connections, follow up effectively, and avoid common pitfalls.

But first, which employers are First Year Friendly?

Be sure to explore the FYF/FYF+ Employer Airtable, which lists over 115 employers excited to speak with first-year students. You can also view the FYF/FYF+ floor plan to find them easily at the fair. Here is what the “FYF” and “FYF+” labels mean: 

• First-Year Friendly (FYF) label: Open to engaging with first-year students 
• First-Year Friendly (FYF+) label: Internship opportunities for first-years

The Fall Career Fair 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. At 9:30 exclusive first-year early access officially kicks off, and you’ll have the chance to start engaging with FYF employers.

Employer Tips for First-Year Students

Talking with Employers: Make a great first impression

• Do your research. Before getting to the fair, do some research on companies of interest and come prepared with thoughtful questions that show genuine interest in their industry and culture. You can review a list of the companies attending on our FYF/FYF+ Airtable, or on the Fall Career Fair event page on Handshake. 
• Prepare your pitch. Think about what interests you most, and be ready to chat about your experiences, even if they’re from high school projects or leadership and personal experiences. Review our website resources on preparing your elevator pitch, or stop by the CAPD info booth during the fair to get some advice. And remember, you can always use your time while waiting in line to review your talking points and prepare for your next conversation! 
• Show your enthusiasm. Employers value students who are proactive and eager, so don’t be afraid to ask about how you can get involved now or in the future, even if a company isn’t currently hiring first-years. Remember, it’s all about building relationships and making a memorable impression!

After the Fair: Keep the connection going 

• Share your gratitude. After the career fair, following up with employers can make a strong impression and help keep you on their radar for future opportunities. Start by sending a personalized thank-you email within a day or two, mentioning something memorable from your conversation or an interesting aspect of the company. 
• Connect on social media. Don’t hesitate to connect on LinkedIn or follow employers on social media platforms like Instagram or TikTok to stay updated on their latest news and job openings. If a company offers QR codes or forms at their booth, be sure to complete them—these help employers keep track of who they met and can lead to future communication.
• Apply for opportunities. Keep an eye on job postings and apply directly to any roles that interest you. You can also consider creating a talent profile if available, so you’re first in line when new opportunities arise!

Staying Connected: Build relationships over time

Connecting with employers early can open doors throughout your MIT journey. Many FYF employers participate in on-campus networking events and may engage with students through student group sponsorships or other campus initiatives. You can stay in the loop by exploring the CAPD website events feed, checking out Handshake events, or getting involved on in student groups on campus.

Keep in mind that some employers offer early career programs specifically for first years and sophomores. But even if there’s no immediate opportunity, keep in touch. Employers value updates on your progress, and staying connected shows your commitment and genuine interest. These relationships can lead to internships, full-time positions, and a growing professional network.

Common pitfalls to avoid 

• Skipping research. One of the most common mistakes that employers share with us is students not researching companies before speaking with them. Avoid asking vague questions like, “What positions do you have available?” Instead, show you’ve done your homework. For example, you can say: “I’m really interested in the data analytics internship role at your company. Could you share more about the kinds of projects interns typically work on and how they’re supported by mentors throughout their experience?”
• Forgetting to communicate your passions and interests. Employers want to know about your passions and what excites you, not just a list of your accomplishments. When they know what you’re excited about, it helps to guide a fruitful conversation. Be ready to discuss what drives you and where you see yourself making an impact.
• Only bringing a paper resume. Keep in mind that each company has a different way of collecting information from career fair attendees. While a paper resume can be useful, be sure to follow the company’s preferred candidate submission process. Have a digital copy of your resume handy to be able to send or submit easily during the fair. 
• Only focus on landing an internship instead of building relationships. While it’s natural to be eager about landing an internship, it’s important to remember that the career fair is much more than a job-hunting event. Employers are there not only to find potential candidates, but to connect with students who are enthusiastic to learn more about their industry or field. At the career fair, I encourage you to focus on building relationships and gathering information that will help you make informed decisions about your career journey. 

As you prepare for the Fall Career Fair and look to make the most of your interactions with employers, remember that we’re here to help! If you have any questions or need further guidance, don’t hesitate to stop by the CAPD booth during the fair. Our team will be available to offer advice and support to ensure you have a successful experience.