Host a company presentation
MIT invites employers to come on-campus and recruit students and postdocs by participating in Institute-sponsored events such as the Fall Career Fair and other annual career fairs, hackathons, conferences, and other large-scale events.
Employers seeking to host individual and company-specific programs and events can submit a program request. Please submit your request for an on-campus room, date, and time online. During the spring semester, available time slots to host a program at noon, and between 5:30 – 8:00pm Tuesday – Thursday. The cost to host a program is $400. More information about hosting a program and requesting a day/time-slot is available below.
Recommended advertising for these opportunities includes posting the event in Handshake on the program calendar, emailing students directly to RSVP to attend, sharing the opportunity with student clubs/organizations, among other employer initiated marketing tactics.
About company presentations
Raise awareness and build interest in your company, mission, culture, and opportunities. Considering also discussing recruiting timelines, interview tips, and answer questions from participating students.
Typical company presentations are/include:
- Recruiting/HR-forward
- Review of company culture
- Company’s commitment to DEIA (diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility) and sustainability
- Highlight internship and full-time employment opportunities
- Provide insight into the application window, deadlines, and interview process
- Include MIT alumni in the delivery of content
- Partnering with an MIT student club or organization to maximize attendance
How to post a company presentation:
- Post your event in Handshake, there is no cost to post an event in Handshake
- Add important details such as the day/time, and comprehensive description of what students can expect
- Promote your event by sharing information with select student clubs/organizations and academic administrators
Company presentation tips
The MIT students are a captive audience as their attendance confirms they are already interested in your company. These students will often visit your website for more information prior to your presentation, so it is up to you to use your presentation time to interact, network and emphasize what your organization has to offer them.
Interactive presentations
Make your presentation as creative and engaging as possible. A straightforward PowerPoint or Prezi is not as appealing to students as an opportunity to interact with you and others in the form of a game, contest or group activity.
Slides
If using a PowerPoint, limit the number of slides, keep text to a minimum, and offer to send a copy to students at the session. Also take into account your potential audience’s needs and make your slides accessible for those with disabilities.
Student questions
If doing a formal presentation, keep it short (perhaps 20 to 30 minutes) to allow ample time for questions and for students to practice networking
MIT alumni
Include MIT alumni—both recent graduates and senior staff—as much possible. Students respond well to listening to the experiences of individuals, so profile employees with the details of their career path since graduation.
Food and handouts
Food and useful company handouts (pamphlets, brochures, T-Shirts, water bottles, etc.) always attract students and can increase the number of students you reach on campus.
Presentation content tips
Company overview and culture
Share a brief overview of your company as well as how your company fits in your broader industry. In addition, students are interested in learning about culture at different companies, so be sure to include that!
Types of positions
Indicate the different levels that students can be hired at and what you are recruiting for. Students will typically be interested in new graduate positions and internship programs.
Skills sought
Specify what your company looks for in graduates, including the skills that are in demand in your organization. Explain what students can do to help stand out in the applicant pool and prepare for the recruitment process.
Recruitment and interview process
Specify the timeline for recruitment, including important events on campus, application deadlines, and when offers are made. Provide an overview of the types of interviews students can expect.
International opportunities
MIT has a number of international students, especially at the graduate level. Include whether you hire international students and what roles they might take within your organization.
Future of the company
Consider that students may be interested in the expected growth trajectory within your company and within the industry. Including some quick data can be useful!
For more questions or to discuss hosting a program for MIT students, please email hiremit@mit.edu.
