These simple steps below will help ensure you are prepared to make the most of your experience before, during, and after the Career Fair.

1. Update your resume.
• Polish your resume so it makes a strong first impression. Need feedback? Stop by walk-in hours Tuesdays, 9–11 a.m. or 1–3 p.m., or schedule an appointment.
• Bring 30–40 printed copies and have a PDF version ready to share digitally.
• Clearly list your availability (e.g., immediately, upon graduation, Spring 2027).
2. Update your Handshake profile.
• Keep your profile up to date and set to Public so employers can find you.
• Upload a current copy of your resume as a PDF or have a QR code ready for sharing.
3. Prepare and practice your elevator pitch.
• Contact the Co-op Office for access to our new AI Coaching Platform to develop a polished elevator pitch, strengthen your professional communication skills and prepare for employer interactions.
• Practice until you sound confident and natural — not rehearsed.
4. Research companies that interest you.
• You won’t be able to meet every employer, so choose your priority companies in advance.
• Use the company list and map to locate employers and review the roles they’re hiring for.
• Research employers ahead of time to understand their roles and desired skills. All companies and their websites are listed on the Career Fair page in Handshake.
• Apply early when possible, then follow up in person at the fair.
• Ask thoughtful questions based on your research.
• Be respectful of recruiters’ time — keep conversations brief but meaningful.
5. Dress to impress.
• Dress professionally — business attire makes a strong first impression. This may include a dress shirt or blouse, tie, suit jacket, dress pants, skirt or dress, and dress shoes.
• Clothes should be neat, clean, and wrinkle-free.
• Students may not wear jeans, T-shirts, hoodies, sweatpants, tennis shoes, or similar casual attire.
• When in doubt, it’s better to be overdressed than underdressed.
6. Get a professional headshot.
• Make a strong first impression with a professional headshot for Handshake and LinkedIn.
• Visit the free self-service Headshot Booth in The Center (Room 134D, ASEC), Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. No appointment needed.
7. Follow up after the fair.
• Ask employers for a business card or their preferred follow-up method.
• Send a thank-you email within 48 hours. Mention where you met, reference your conversation, and attach your resume if appropriate.

1. Who can attend the Career Fair?
• The Career Fair is open to all undergraduate, graduate, and alumni of the College of Engineering and Polymer Science.
• We encourage first-year students to also attend to begin exploring options for co-op and internship opportunities and to network with employers. As such, some companies do offer opportunities to students in the summer after their first year.
2. Do I need to pre-register to attend the Career Fair?
• It is strongly encouraged that students pre-register for the fair. Doing so provides you with a pre-printed, color-coded nametag as well as the map and listing of all companies attending.
• If you do not pre-register, you may do same-day registration starting at 9 AM on the 3rd Floor of the Student Union outside the re:center room.
• You cannot re-use past name tags for the Career Fair as the color-coding will be changing.
3. What should I bring to the Career Fair?
• You should bring 30-40 copies of your resume, a professional folder or padfolio with a pen to carry your resume and any notes from your research on the attending organizations.
• You should also have your phone in case you need to provide a digital copy of your resume to an employer or scan a QR code to apply to their postings.
4. What should I NOT bring to the Career Fair?
• Do not bring a coat or backpack with you to the Career Fair. But if you do, you will be able to leave these items in the Student Union in Room 316.
5. Where can I find a list of companies attending the Career Fair?
• All companies and their websites are listed on the Career Fair page in Handshake.
6. Do I need to attend the Career Fair for the entire time?
• No, you may come and go as your schedule permits. Be sure to give yourself enough time to visit the employers you are interested in and keep in mind that some may leave early, depending on their distance to travel back home.
7. What if I have a class conflict?
• Communicate with your professor as soon as you know there may be a conflict. Be prepared to explain why it is important for you to attend the event. Our Fair runs for several hours, so it may be possible to attend before or after your class. We can also provide a written excuse to your professor for your attendance if needed.
8. Can I have my resume reviewed by someone?
• Yes! Please consider visiting us during our open office hours on Tuesdays from 9 AM - 11 AM and 1 PM - 3 PM. You may also make an appointment to have your resume reviewed at CEPScoop@uakron.edu.
9. How do I prepare for an interview after the Career Fair?
• We have several resources to help you prepare. Contact us at CEPScoop@uakron.edu for more information.

Join us for opportunities to learn from professionals on how to sharpen your networking, resume, and interviewing skills to help you prepare for our Career Fair. All majors are welcome to attend!

Sept. 30: Career Fair and Interview Prep Workshop

Oct. 1: Resume Review Workshop

The success of our Career Fairs depends on student volunteers. If you have already found employment and are not attending the Career Fair, please consider volunteering.

All those registering to attend will indicate their volunteer interest as part of the registration survey. We especially need your help for set-up on the morning of the Career Fair, as well as clean-up after. If you are interested in volunteering, please sign up here for as many slots as you are able.

Sign up