Your Student Life: University-wide Career and Internship Fair
September 2, 2025
All Ohio State students are invited to attend the University-Wide Career and Internship Fair in person at the Ohio Union on Wednesday, Sept. 17, from 1-5 p.m. and on Thursday, Sept. 18, from 2-6 p.m. virtually on Handshake. Students and alumni from any college, major or year are welcome to attend this event hosted by Buckeye Careers.
It’s never too early to start thinking about your summer internship or career options post-graduation. The career fair is a great opportunity to network with a wide variety of employers from corporate, non-profit and government sectors. Students can also learn about on-campus employment opportunities.
To help Buckeyes navigate their exciting career search journey, the Career Resource Guide is a free online tool always available to reference. Students can find resume examples, cover letter tips, practice interview questions, networking advice and steps for what to do before, during and after a career fair.
Putting your best foot forward
Appearing neat and put-together will help you make a good first impression. Business professional or business casual attire is recommended but not required to attend the career fair. Present yourself in a way that you feel comfortable and confident.
At the in-person career fair on September 17, a photographer will be available to take professional profile photos to use on your LinkedIn and Handshake profiles.
Preparing for success
There will be a free coat check available at the in-person fair for students to stash their backpacks, umbrellas or coats.
Be sure to bring at least 10 printed copies of your resume to the in-person fair and have a PDF copy of your resume handy to send to employers. It’s also a good idea to bring a notepad, as well as a padfolio or folder to carry your resumes and any handouts you receive.
Your resume is often your first chance to make a positive impression on an employer. Whether this is your first time writing a resume or you are looking for tips to update your resume, Buckeye Careers offers resume writing workshops and virtual career coaching appointments. This is the opportunity to learn what to include on your resume, how to format it and how to make it stand out.
Making a strong first impression
Before the career fair, practice your introduction to employers. Smile, give a firm handshake, clearly state your name, year, major, interests and skills. Something like, “Hello, my name is Brutus and I’m a second-year computer science major from the College of Engineering. I’m interested in a career in software and have experience coding with Python. Can you tell me a little about your company and what skills you’re looking for?”
You want to ask employers thoughtful questions to help you understand their company culture, the experiences they are looking for and available opportunities. Do not ask about salary or benefits. If you’re an international student, don’t say that you need a job to stay in the U.S. but rather connect your current skills to the needs of the company.
This is the time to give your resume to the employer and ask for a business card. On the back of the business card, jot down notes to help you follow up with them after the fair.
Remember that the career fair is an opportunity to get to know organizations and not just a place to get free stuff. Avoid taking every freebie like pens, candy, toys and stress balls. Recruiters notice this and it can be a sign that you’re not serious about future employment opportunities.
Following up after the fair
To make the most out of the career fair, take time afterward to review the materials you received and reflect on how you’d like to follow up. It’s common to send a thank you email to an employer you engaged with. In this note, remind them that you spoke at the career fair, express an interest in their company and highlight your skills and experience. Follow companies you’re interested in on LinkedIn or Handshake to keep in touch.
Helpful workshops to answer questions
If you’re not sure what to expect or how to best prepare for a career fair, you can ask questions in a supportive virtual AMA (Ask Me Anything) session on Thursday, September 11 from 6-6:30 p.m. and Monday, September 15 from 5-5:30 p.m. on Handshake. Buckeye Careers team members will be happy to answer questions in this drop-in casual format.
Buckeye Careers is also hosting workshops for students to learn what to expect at the virtual career fair on Handshake Thursday, September 11 from 11:30 a.m. to noon.
If you’re nervous about talking to employers at the career fair, get advice at a virtual workshop on Thursday, September 11 from 3-4 p.m. and on Tuesday, September 16 from 5-6 p.m. on Handshake.
Reach out to Buckeye Careers at careerfairs@osu.edu with additional questions or accommodation requests. Read more tips about being successful at career fairs in the Career Resource Guide.
Debbie Wakefield
Marketing Specialist
Office of Student Life