What You Need To Know
Prepare for the Fair
Register for the Fair on Handshake
Prepare for the fair
Update Handshake and LinkedIn profiles
- When preparing to attend a career fair at a college campus, employers often will seek out candidates from that school. Update your profiles to put your best foot forward
- Having updated profiles will also help the algorithm provide you with relevant employers and jobs/internships
Update your resume and have it reviewed by career services
- We recommend you bring copies of your resume to the career fair with you, so make sure your resume is in tip top shape
- Make an appointment with your college’s career center.
Research companies and job/internship openings
- To see if an employer has job or internship openings, go to the career fair details tab in Handshake, select all employers, and click on a company's logo. It's a great way to research the company, learn about openings, and apply!
- We also provide industry sheets so you can see what companies are coming to the fair in your industry of interest (these can be found on this website and in Handshake)
- Maps for the fair are also available on this website and in Handshake. This will be helpful knowing where the companies you want to visit are located across the 2 venues.
Practice your elevator pitch
- Feeling confident in your introduction at an employer’s booth will give employers a great first impression
- Learn how to craft an elevator pitch.
Dress for success
- Plan ahead and dress as you would for an interview. We encourage students to dress for their industry, which may be anywhere from business casual to business formal. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and confident.
- Need ideas? Check out the Career Fair Success Pinterest board for examples of business formal clothing options.
Day of the Fair
Have a plan
Know what organizations you plan to talk to and where they are located (pro tip - don’t start with the employer at the top of your list!)
Scan the QR code in each venue
Visit both locations to not miss out on any employers. Scan the QR code in each location to be entered to win a raffle prize!
Have a question; feeling nervous?
There will be career coaches in both locations available to answer any questions you have, help you practice your elevator pitch, and provide a space for you to take a break
Prepare for follow up
- Take notes on your conversations including details on how to follow-up with the employer
- Ask for the employer's contact information
After the Fair
Send a Thank You
- Send tailored thank you emails to the employers you connected with at the fair
- Proofread your email and consider having someone else look it over
Follow-Up and Apply Online
Complete any other follow-up items the employers indicated, including applying for positions online.
International Student Experience
We understand that being an international student seeking career experience in the U.S. presents some unique challenges. (As one who will eventually require sponsorship to continue work in the U.S. beyond CPT and OPT.)
To help you respond to those challenges, we have prepared a few resources that are specific to the international student experience at job fairs:
- Read all of the information in “Prepare for the Fair.”
- Read all of the resources outlined here for International Students.
- Visit your college career center for a resume review, to practice introducing yourself, and to resolve any additional questions about the fair.
For further career information and resources for international students, please visit the Career Services website.
International Student Career Fair Preparation Workshops
Join the International Student Career Fair Preparation Workshop to get ready for the upcoming Spring 2025 career fairs!
This event will feature helpful tips and information from presenters from ISSS and Career Services. All UMN international students who are attending spring career fairs are welcome to attend.
We will discuss: what to expect at a career fair, how to talk with employers, your work authorization options, and tips for successful interactions and follow-up at a career fair.
Career Fair Checklist for International Students
- Begin with an introduction that emphasizes your qualifications.
- Showcase the research you have done about the company, and your fit with the company.
- Ask questions that will get a conversation started, and let the employer learn what you bring beyond being an international student.
Answering Common Employer Questions About Sponsorship
"Do you need sponsorship?" or "Do you need work authorization?"
- "My education visa covers me for internships. I don't need any authorization or sponsorship from an employer."
- "My education visa covers me for X months during which time I do not need authorization or sponsorship from my employer. After that I would need my employer to file for a work visa, but I expect by that time to have really demonstrated my value and my fit for your company."
- "I would not require sponsorship or any additional paperwork or expense to work for you as an intern. If, as I hope happens, I do such a great job that you want to keep me on for full time, then I would ultimately need sponsorship."
Accommodations for the Fair
- For any accommodation needs please reach out to [email protected] by email two weeks before the fair.
- Learn about Handshake's closed captioning and interpretation services.
Transportation
Free buses from system campuses (registration for the fair does not guarantee a seat on a bus, you must sign up separately):
Register for transportation to the Fair using this Request Form. Please note: this form reserves your spot on the bus only — it does not register you for the Fair itself. To use this transportation service, you must already be registered for the 2026 Job & Internship Fair.
Bus Schedule
- Departure: 5:30 a.m. from Centennial Hall.
- Return: Depart at 3:00 p.m., with a dinner stop. We’ll be back on campus by 9:00 p.m.
$10 cash reservation deposit to hold your spot.
- First-come, first-served for a coach bus with wi-fi and a restroom.
- Deposits will be returned on the day of the fair on the bus.
- To cancel your reservation: Email [email protected]. Call 218-281-8557, or stop in to 170A Owen Hall.
- No refunds for no call, no show.
Registration and Refund Deadline: February 25, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
Stop by the UMD Career Center (22 Solon Campus Center) to reserve your spot today!
Bus Schedule (7 AM - 6 PM):
- Board buses for Minneapolis between 7:00 - 7:30 AM
- Depart Duluth at 7:30 AM | Kirby Student Center South Entrance
- Board buses for Duluth between 2:45 - 3:00 PM
- Depart Minneapolis at 3 PM | Estimated Duluth arrival time: 6 PM
$10 cash reservation deposit to hold your spot.
- First come, first served for two coach buses with wi-fi and restroom.
- Deposits will be returned day-of the fair on the bus.
- To cancel your reservation: Email [email protected], call 218-726-7985, or stop in to 22 SCC.
- No refunds for no call, no show.
Registration & Refund deadline: 4 PM Monday 02.23.26.
Stop by the Student Success Center (240 Briggs Library) or email [email protected] to reserve your spot today!
Bus Schedule (7:15 AM - 6:00 PM)
- Board bus at 7:15 AM | Cougar Sports Center
- Depart Morris at 7:30 AM | Arrive in Minneapolis at 10:30 AM
- Board buses for Morris at 2:45 PM
- Depart Minneapolis at 3:00 PM | Estimated arrival in Morris 6:00 PM
$10 cash reservation deposit secures your spot
- First-come, first-served for a coach bus with wi-fi and a restroom.
- Deposits will be returned on the day of the fair on the bus.
- To cancel your reservation: Email [email protected], call 320-589-6178, or stop by Briggs Library.
- No refunds for no call, no show.
- If you have concerns about paying the deposit, please let us know.
Registration and Refund Deadline: Monday, February 23 at 4:30 pm
Register for transportation using this form: UMR UMJF Transportation Registration Form
Pick up and departure details will be emailed to students a week prior to the career fair.
Contact Dr. Bridget Tetteh-Batsa with questions at: [email protected]
Deadline: February, 13th 2026