Students

Career fairs provide an opportunity for networking and building contacts, a way to search for an internship or job, and a forum for professional development.

Before the career fair

  • Download the Handshake app. 
    • Complete your candidate profile in Handshake.
    • Upload your resume (after you've had it reviewed by the Business Professional Development Program).
  • Review the list of participating companies.
  • Target companies of interest to research. Know something about the organization, their general opportunities and why you would be interested in working there.
  • Prepare your resume keeping your career focus in mind. Have it critiqued by a career advisor or faculty member. Print extra copies to take to the career fair with you.
  • Prepare a one-minute introduction including your name, major and career interests. This will allow you to briefly and enthusiastically demonstrate to employers your skills, interests, experiences and strengths. Practice before attending the career fair.
  • Identify and have in mind specific experiences where you have demonstrated your strengths. Be able to back up your skills with specific examples.
  • Plan your professional attire. Business professional attire is preferred; however, if you do not own a suit yet, business casual is acceptable. Keep in mind you likely will be walking a lot and waiting in lines.
  • Develop a list of questions to ask employers.
  • Apply to job postings in Handshake.

2025 Career Fair dates

Accounting Career Fair
1–3 p.m. September 19
Burge Union

Business Career Fair
12 p.m.–3 p.m. September 26
Kansas Union: 4th and 5th floors

General career fair tips

Get your free professional LinkedIn photo taken at the career fair.

  • Companies typically table in the Capitol Federal Hall atrium within the first few weeks of school, close to the dates of the career fairs and before resume deadlines. 
  • Students can casually network with company representatives and ask questions about the organization and their opportunities.
  • Go to Handshake and log in using your KU online ID (not your email address). 
  • When prompted, answer a few questions and update your account information.
  • Now you are ready to apply for full-time and internships.

Follow Business Professional Development Services on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 

  • Include #KUBusFair in your social media posts the day(s) of the career fairs to share your experience and engage with employers.

Contact the Business Professional Development Services team with additional questions about the career fairs.

How to prepare for a career fair

Get an overview of what to expect at a career fair, and learn the do's and don'ts of career fair etiquette.

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