Career fairs can feel a little intimidating. There are recruiters, resumes, name tags and suddenly you’re wondering if saying “Hey, how are you?” is professional enough.
Whether you’re a first-year student just exploring your options or a senior looking for a post-grad job opportunity, the Fall 2026 Syracuse University Career and Internship Fair is your chance to make connections, explore industries and put yourself in the room with potential employers. The fair is open to all Syracuse University students and will bring hundreds of employers to the JMA Wireless Dome on Thursday, Oct. 1, from 2 to 6 p.m.
We’ve got you. Consider this your career fair starter pack.
Start With a Game Plan
Before picking out an outfit or practicing your elevator pitch in the mirror, make sure you’re registered for the career fair through Handshake, Syracuse University’s career management platform. It’s encouraged to register but not required, drop-ins are welcome.
Once you’re registered, take some time to browse the employers attending and make a list of the organizations you want to visit. Going in with a few names already in mind can make walking into a room full of recruiters feel much less overwhelming.
Handshake can also help you explore internship and job opportunities, research employers and connect with career resources before the big day. The more familiar you are with the organizations you want to meet, the easier it will be to walk up to the table and start a conversation.
Find the Career Event that Fits Your Goals
The Thursday, Oct. 1 Career and Internship Fair is not the only opportunity to connect with employers this fall or pursue professional development experiences. Depending on your major, career interests or plans after graduation, you may also want to check out some additional Syracuse University career events. Events are open to all Syracuse University students.
- Wednesday, Sept. 30, 3-7 p.m.: Career Fair: College of Engineering and Computer Science, School of Information Studies and School of Architecture
- Wednesday, Sept. 30, 6:30-8:30 p.m.: Office of Veteran and Military Affairs Student Veteran and Employer Networking Reception
- Friday, Oct. 2, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.: Graduate and Law School Information Fair
Whichever fair you attend, don’t wait until you’re standing in front of a recruiter to start preparing.
Pack Smart
You don’t need to bring your entire backpack to the career fair, but there are a few things worth having on hand.
- Bring copies of your updated resume, especially if you plan on speaking with multiple employers.
- If your field requires a portfolio or work samples, have those accessible, too.
- A notebook or notes app can also come in handy for jotting down names, opportunities or details from conversations.
And while having a polished resume is important, knowing what’s actually on it matters just as much. Be ready to talk about your experiences, skills, classes and campus involvement without reading directly from the page.
Dress for Confidence
The goal isn’t to show up looking like someone you’re not. It’s to look polished, professional and like the best version of yourself.
Think business professional or business casual, depending on your industry. A blazer, dress pants, blouse, button-down or professional dress are all solid options. When in doubt, it never hurts to look at the industry you’re interested in and get a sense of what professionals typically wear.
Not sure what to wear? Syracuse University’s Career Closet provides career-ready clothing to help students feel prepared and confident for professional opportunities. One underrated tip? Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll likely be spending plenty of time walking around and standing at tables, and it’s a lot easier to be confident when your feet don’t hurt.
Do a Little Homework
Nothing makes a conversation smoother than already knowing a little about the person you are talking to.
Before the fair, spend some time researching the employers you’re interested in. You don’t need to memorize their entire website, but knowing the basics can help turn a quick introduction into an actual conversation.
Look into what the organization does, the types of roles or internships it offers, any recent projects it has going on and anything that genuinely interests you about its work. Think about why you want to speak with them specifically.
A recruiter can tell when you’re genuinely interested, and a little preparation goes a long way.
Focus on the Conversation, Not the Perfect Pitch
This might be the part that makes students the most nervous, but here’s a secret: recruiters are people, too.
You don’t need a perfectly rehearsed speech. Start with the basics.
- Introduce yourself.
- Share your major or area of interest.
- Explain what brought you to their table.
From there, let the conversation happen naturally. Ask about what they look for in students and recent graduates, what opportunities they currently offer or what advice they would give someone hoping to enter their industry.
Don’t feel pressured to spend 20 minutes at every table. Sometimes a great five-minute conversation and a genuine connection can go a long way.
Keep the Momentum Going
Career events don’t end when you walk out the door.
Afterward, take a few minutes to organize your notes and remember who you spoke with. If someone gave you their contact information, consider sending a short follow-up message thanking them for their time and mentioning something specific from your conversation. Explore connecting with them on LinkedIn.
Then, keep the momentum going. Explore opportunities on Handshake and apply for positions that align with your interests and goals.
And remember, Syracuse University’s schools, colleges and Professional Development resources offer tools to help you prepare for internships, career experiences and your next professional step. Explore Internship Funding Opportunities, including the Internship Funding Award, Mark and Pearle Clements Internship Award and Washington, D.C. Internship Award.
Need a professional photo for LinkedIn? The Iris Photo Booth is another resource available to help you put your best professional image forward.
So print the resumes, do your research and practice your introduction. Then walk through those doors with confidence.
Written by Miracle Gross G’27, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, M.A.