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The College of Engineering Career Fair provides an invaluable opportunity for students and recent graduates to meet employers face-to-face, make contacts, explore career options and inquire about available internships and full-time opportunities.

Many companies begin their recruitment for summer positions as early as the fall prior to the May start date. Whether you are a first-year student interested in learning about what an engineer in your major does, a second-year or third-year student looking for an internship or a final-year student searching for full-time work, the Career Fair is your first step for success.

If you are a student in the college, you should attend the College of Engineering Career Fair. Even as a first year student, it is important to experience a fair, practice networking and you may find a great future opportunity. Engineering students are in high demand, and this fair affords students a great opportunity.

You do not need to register for the Career Fair. However, consider signing up on Handshake and schedule an appointment with the Office of Career Development for resume review and helpful tips.

Career fair dress should be either business casual or business formal. If you have a suit, plan to wear that to the fair. If you do not have a suit, dress slacks, a skirt, button-down shirt with a tie or a knit blouse are appropriate. You want to feel professional and confident. Jeans, gym shoes, torn clothing and revealing clothing are not appropriate for a career fair, even if you are just visiting for class participation credit.

Be sure to bring many copies of your updated, polished resume as well as a portfolio or folder to carry it in. Also remember a pen or pencil, notepad and breath mints.

• Attend a resume workshop on how to build and edit a resume.
• Review your resume with faculty and staff to get feedback.
• Practice mock interviews with faculty and staff.
• Visit the College of Engineering Clothing closet. The collection of donated professional wear is for students to use for interviews

Consider preparing a brief 30-second introduction about who you are and why you are interested in the company. Practice this introduction before you logon to the fair. Please visit the Office of Career Development before the fair to polish your introduction or "elevator speech," and review your resume so you are prepared.

Just because a company is not attending the fair this year does not mean they are not recruiting College of Engineering students. Be sure to check company websites for open positions and make a point to research areas of the company you are interested in working for. Companies want passionate employees. However, do not let this be an excuse to miss the fair. Use the fair to polish up and practice marketing yourself and you just never know, that perfect opportunity could be waiting.