Host an event, program, or workshop
MIT is inviting employers back on-campus to recruit students and postdocs by hosting their own programs or events, 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 are encouraged to connect with MIT students through the following:
Host a program or event near campus
MIT is centrally located near a multitude of unique restaurants and hotels venues that have the capability to host a private event. Employers should reach out directly to a desired hotel/restaurant to make their accommodations.
Recommended advertising includes posting the event in Handshake on the program calendar, emailing students directly to RSVP to attend, and sharing the opportunity with student clubs/organizations, among other employer initiated marketing tactics.
Offer a virtual program or event
Virtual programs and events should be posted in Handshake on the events calendar. Virtual programs/events are most successful when they involve an interesting topic and or incentives for attending.
Once the Employer Relations team approves your Handshake submission, employers should email students directly to RSVP to attend, share the opportunity with student clubs/organizations, among other employer initiated marketing tactics.
Collaborate with an MIT student club/organization
Build meaningful relationships with one or more of the 640+ MIT student groups/organizations and their members. Work with a student club/organizations to collaborate on a program, and ask them to book a room on-campus.
Please note that many student clubs/organizations have their own sponsorship programs and seek employer sponsorship.
Types of programs and tips for connecting with MIT students
MIT students are known to be inquisitive and want to solve the world’s most challenging problems. In the planning of your programs please be aware that the traditional “why work for XYZ company” program does not draw as well as programs which engage students with valuable insight, details, advice, and first hand experiences.
Incorporating MIT alumni employed at your company into your presentation can also be an effective way to attract current students. For best results in attracting MIT students when posting in Handshake, provide details about the session, desired target audience, and also have minimal restrictions so all interested students can participate. CAPD can help you connect with relevant student organizations and academic administrators.
Company presentation
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.
Tech Talks
A more detailed presentation regarding a specific problem your company or team faced, how you diagnosed the issue, and the steps you took to solve it. Tech Talks are often presented by members with first-hand experience of the problem-solving process.
Office hours, coffee chats, and resume reviews
Hold scheduled 20-minute, one-on-one appointments with students to discuss their company as well as provide career advice and resume/portfolio critiques.
Mock interviews
Hosted virtually or in-person, mock interviews coach students through the interview process and allow employers to provide industry-specific insight to students and postdocs while raising brand awareness on campus.
Site visits
Hosted via a virtual platform, a typical visit consists of an employer presentation/information session, panel of employees, office space or lab tour, Q&A and alumni and professional networking opportunity.
Professional development opportunities
Instead of presenting on your company and opportunities, consider co-presenting with CAPD staff on coaching students and building their skillsets to better prepare them for life after graduation. Topics can include, but are not limited to: networking, leadership, work-life balance, communication, organization, research, and creative problem solving.
For any questions related to hosting on-campus or virtual events, please contact the CAPD employer relations team at hiremit@mit.edu.
