Meeting Employers Through Job Fairs

Attending a job fair is another strategy that students can use to identify potential employers who also offer internships.  It is a great way to meet recuiters in the field who are looking for potential candidates.  Although these recruiters may be looking to fill actual job vacancies, they often are scouting for individuals that they feel would fit in well with their corporate environment and who may begin their career by starting out in an internship . 

Some career fairs specifically cater to internships while others may focus more on jobs but may not be adverse to hiring an intern if they met the right person.  Since many organizations view internships as a trial orientation, hiring an intern may save them money down the road by trying them out with thoughts of potentially hiring them once the student graduates.

Attendees at a job fair should prepare themselves as they would for an actual job interview.  Since first impressions do count, taking the time to dress professionally and preparing a strategy in which you plan to approach each employers is key to being considered for either an internship or a job. 

Be sure to check with your Career Services Office of your college to see if they participate in any type of internship or job fairs as well as checking for any job fairs that may be taking place in a location where you're going to be or where you'd like to eventually work.