The FYF initiative supports MIT first-year undergraduate students as they transition into the world of career exploration and competitive job markets. By investing in relationships with undergraduates in their first year at MIT, companies can establish a robust connection with candidates and increase their likelihood of recruiting students in their subsequent years of study. On the other hand, first-year undergraduates can develop relationships with employers and gain clarity on recruiting, jobs, and internship opportunities. The first-year undergraduate student population at MIT is slightly over 1,000. Last year, more than 800 first-year students participated in the Fall Career Fair, demonstrating strong interest from undergraduates in connecting with FYF employers
Check back on this page for upcoming events geared toward supporting first year undergraduate students attending the in-person and/or virtual career fairs.
Early access to the Fall Career Fair for first-year undergrads
First-year undergrads also have the opportunity to connect with FYF employers in a special early access window to the Fall Career Fair. For 2025, the schedule is as follows:
Early access for first-year undergrads: 9am checkin opens, 9.30am doors open
Access opens for all other candidates: 10am
End of fair: 4pm
FYF label
Employers registering for the Fall Career Fair will be asked to indicate if they would like to engage with first-year undergraduate students at the fair and whether they have opportunities that first-year undergraduate students are eligible for. Based on the employer’s response, the employer will receive the following label in Handshake so that students can easily search for first-year friendly employers attending the Fall Career Fair.
- First Year Friendly (FYF)
This label identifies employers who are open to connecting with MIT first-year undergraduate students. These companies are interested in supporting early career exploration through conversation and, in some cases, also offer internships or related opportunities suitable for first-year students.
View First Year Friendly Employers
Students can view first year friendly employers in one of the following ways:
- In-Person Fall Career Fair (9/19): First Year Friendly Employer List– this sortable spreadsheet contains the first-year friendly In-Person Fall Career Fair organizations
- Virtual Fall Career Fair (TBD): First Year Friendly Employer List – this sortable spreadsheet contains first-year-friendly Virtual Fall Career Fair organizations
