Sept. 6, 2024
Contact: Janese Heavin, heavinj@missouri.edu
It’s career fair season at the University of Missouri, and the opportunities are endless. Each fall, hundreds of recruiters from Fortune 500 companies, national agencies and regional businesses arrive on campus ready to hire talented interns and future employees from the Tiger community.
Think of Mizzou’s career fairs as a jump start to your future. Whether you’re a freshman exploring options or a senior preparing for life after college, these events allow you to connect with the professionals actively recruiting — without leaving campus.
Here are five tips to help you make the most of your career fair experience.
Prepare ahead of time.
Start by marking your calendar. You can view Mizzou’s fall 2024 career fairs here. Check with your school or college’s career services team or advisor for a complete schedule — many academic units offer pre-fair resume reviews, mock interviews and workshops so you can put your best self forward.
You can browse resumes, get tips to draft the perfect cover letter and learn how to prepare for interviews on the Hire Mizzou Tigers website. The MU Career Center also offers a lot of tools and resources to get you started.
And don’t forget to log in or create an account on Handshake to preregister for career fairs and receive important updates.
Dress for success.
Professional attire is recommended for career fairs and interviews, but comfort is key. If a full suit isn’t your style, opt for business casual — khakis and polos or dress pants and cardigans are great alternatives. Just make sure your outfit is neat, fits well and allows you to move comfortably throughout the event.
Don’t have what you need? You can borrow professional attire for free from Truman’s Closet.
Make connections.
Don’t hesitate to approach recruiters — they came to meet you. Talk about your experiences at Mizzou, including coursework, projects and extracurricular activities. Ask thoughtful questions, seek advice and inquire about internship or job openings.
Even if you’re unsure about a particular company or industry, these conversations can lead to unexpected opportunities. Remember, most companies need employees who bring different skills to the table, from number crunching to social media messaging, so keep an open mind.
Be confident.
Confidence makes a great first impression, but you can still be yourself. Before attending a career fair, take some time to reflect on what you have to offer; qualities such as a positive attitude, willingness to learn or strong teamwork skills. These are traits that aren’t captured on a resume but are important to show employers.
Of course, don’t forget your resume. Bring plenty of printed copies to pass out to recruiters.
Have fun.
Career fairs are high-energy events with lots to see and do. While you want to present yourself professionally, it’s OK to have fun. Enjoy the conversations, discover what’s possible and make new connections. And remember that many recruiters are Mizzou alumni who were once in your shoes.
