Conference, Expo & Career Fair Prep

With so many employers, and fellow attendees, you want to make sure to optimize your time at any career fair or expo. Find which conferences, competition, hackathons or other events you may want to join on our resource page for Conferences & Competitions.

Take a look at the following list on things you need to reflect on or do to make the most of your time there.

Reading a document

Set Expectations & Goals

  • Set realistic goals – consider global, political, and economic conditions
    • Is the market up/down, increased competition for visas? Election cycle?
    • Are you seeking an internship/job, or just getting started in career exploration?
  • Challenge yourself to new goals:
    • Increase your target firms by 5-7 firms (don’t overlook an opportunity)
    • Network with MBAs/students from other programs
    • Visit a company you know well, but with which you may not want pursue employment (good practice and helps with confidence when talking to other employers)
    • Be open to new opportunities, locations (if applicable), and organizations
    • Remember all jobs/employers may not be hiring for all locations/business lines/sectors, or sponsoring
  • Make a list of companies/employers/speakers/etc. that are attending and start thinking about and listing them in order of:
    • WANTS: Companies I passionately want to work with (Dream companies)
    • MUSTS: Competitors to my “dream companies”
    • SHOULDS: Companies I find interesting and would be interested in working with (Plan B)
    • COULDS: Companies I don’t know much about and would like to learn about (exploration)
  • Your professional presentation and first impression can influence how much insight an employer may offer and/or if you will engage beyond the booth
  • Bring name tags, padfolio, business cards, and copies of your resume
  • Follow indicated dress code (dark suits if business formal) and wear comfortable (and professional) shoes
  • Use coat check if available for backpacks
  • Be upbeat, friendly and observe (read) employers’ body language (are they looking tired?)

First Impressions Matter, Prepare your Presentation

  • Know the day’s format (booths, booths & interviews, conference & fair, expo (no jobs), product/tech expo)
  • You might need to upload a resume for the conference resume book and apply to specific jobs or sigh-up for sessions with employers. Be sure to read all instructions.
  • Bring 20+ copies of your updated resume (copiers may be busy in venue or hotels/far from the venue)
  • Be prepared to discuss reason/rationale for interest in specific functional area, industry, and organization (why this job? Why this firm? Why your advancement/transition?
  • Research the companies:
    • Industry (what is happening in (e.g.,) snack foods, auto, energy industry?)
    • Individual organizations – where can you have an immediate impact? What have you done that is transferrable?
    • News: what is new for the firm? How is the economy impacting the organization?
    • Employers’ online careers (see what is open now, look at special MBA programs/internships)
    • Employer locations – where can you work (US, international, rotational)?
    • Pre-event applications: apply and watch your email in the event you are scheduling conference interviews

REQUIRED:

  • Organize and Practice your Elevator Pitch:
    • Your past experience +Why an MBA? +post MBA goals + your value-add to employer
    • Your industry experience + your passion/how you are learning/active + MBA + open position
    • AIM: You want to engage the employer so that they will want to find out more about your skills/experience
  • Update and Clean your Resume!

  • Avoid being an employer “hog” – if you see a long line –
    • Limit to 2-3 questions and check in if the employer has time for more
    • Have a brief conversation with employer and ask for contact information
  • Be sure your questions are not on the FAQs or the website (like business lines, current open positions)
  • Do not discuss salary
  • Show you have a passion for the function/industry and what you know about the organization
  • Remember to “bridge” your experience for the employer (your past, Why the MBA, and future goals)
  • If the function/division you are interested in is not represented – be sure to ask the representative(s) how to best contact that division (even get website specifics)
    • Strategy: Avoid repeating questions by listening to the person ahead of you in line
    • Strategy: Speak to both representatives if there is more than one (to avoid alienation)
    • Strategy: Ask if the representative is from the program/position/division of interest
    • Strategy: Inquire about upcoming events (Super Saturdays, virtual events, webinars etc.
  • Attend small group discussions/break outs
  • Meet other MBAs and expand your network
  • Meet panelists/presenters (google bios in advance)

CONFERENCE INTERVIEWS

  • Prepare before travel (if you were invited in advance). If you are invited from a meeting (booth) – be sure to allow some time to do some research and think through your STAR stories.
  • Event interviews could be over days – ask about the next steps, timelines, and other requirements
  • Onsite (in-person) interviews may be a long walk from the Expo area – allow travel time

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

  • Develop a rapport with employers (avoid starting with “Do you sponsor?)
  • Ask where you might be employed (country of origin, other areas you have work authorization)
  • LEVERAGE your DIVERSITY (beyond your place of birth – what special qualities do you bring?)
  • Use Goin’ Global or the H1B database to check for recent sponsorships (look at job titles and locations)

  • Assess your performance and learn for your next career event
  • Were you engaged with employers? Other participants?
    • Was your elevator pitch effective?
    • Were there questions that “stumped” you?
  • Was your employer/industry research thorough enough?
  • If you are recommended to apply via an employer website, do so immediately (while they still remember you). Follow up with an email once you have applied
  • Send unique thank you emails within 24 hours to all your new contacts
  • Thank any alumni or peers from other MBA programs who may have helped you during the event

FOR EMPLOYERS WHO ARE NOT CURRENTLY HIRING

  • Stay in touch with employers (target a few dates for sending email, calling, or sharing resources)
  • Research their top competitors – they might be hiring; this is language or understanding to help during interviews
  • Explore where else you could have a similar experience, learning or attain relevant skills

FOR EMPLOYERS WHO ARE NOT HIRING INTERNS

  • Discover when the FT positions might be posted/deadlines
  • If they don’t hire interns, try to obtain contact info to develop a network over time (for next year)
  • If the organization has never had an MBA intern, find out if they would they consider letting you develop a project/experience for the summer? (Goals: project to manage, data to analyze and final presentation to senior managers)

Download employer cheat sheet