Career Fairs are a great way to learn about organizations, make connections, and find jobs and internships.
Career Fairs by Quarter
Science & Technology Career Fair
Hosted by EWU Career Center and CSTEM on the Cheney Campus
Held in late October each year - this event serves our College of STEM, but is open to all students.
FUSE Career Fair
Co-hosted by EWU, Gonzaga, Whitworth, WSU Spokane in downtown Spokane
Held in late February each year - this event is open to all students.
Learn More
Part-time & Summer Job Fair
Hosted by EWU Career Center on the Cheney Campus
Held in early March each year - this event serves students looking for seasonal employment, internships, and work while studying.
Learn More
Health Sciences Career Fair
Hosted by the EWU Physical Therapy Department
Held in mid-April each year.
Learn More
Career Fair Tips
Before the Career Fair
We often plan professional development events strategially ahead of Career Fairs to help you prepare. These events often include resume help, interview skill building, and networking opportunities.
Visit our events page or check out the events section of Handshake.
Check what companies will be at the fair and research your top choices by reviewing their website, news stories, press releases, and social media pages. The employer list can be found in the event details in Handshake. At a minimum, you should know what the company does before you talk to them.
Note: Companies hire for many different positions, not just positions directly associated with their services. For example, Hospitals and Schools need IT, HR, and Communications Specialists, not just nurses and teachers.
Prepare good questions that exemplify your knowledge about the company.
For example, ask about current projects their company is working on, how to prepare for a job in their field, when they typically hire interns (if they're not currently), what kinds of qualities they are looking for in their candidates, etc.
Include your name, what you're studying, your class level, what kind of employment you're looking for and why you're interested in the company. Your introduction should take less than a minute.
Example: Hi, I'm Sam. I'm a junior in Computer Science and I'm looking for a summer Internship in Software Development. You're company really interests me because...
Some employers are prepared to interview potential candidates at the career fair or very soon after!
Even if you are just passing through! Show these employers that your college is the right place to meet a quality group of potential candidates. Check out our Pinterest page for examples.
At the Career Fair
Make eye contact, smile, and say hello. Shake the employer's hand, and introduce yourself with your prepared introduction.
Ask questions about the company that aren't readily available on their website.
For example, ask about current projects their company is working on, how to prepare for a job in their field, when they typically hire interns (if they're not currently), what kinds of qualities they are looking for in their candidates, etc.
Never ask what their company does. That shoes lack of preparation.
Employers not only look at skills related to the field, but also soft skills such as communication, stress management, confidence, and love of learning. Try to display these traits while talking to them.
Don't monopolize the employers' time and be respectful of others waiting to speak with them. Don't focus too much on the giveaways. Remember to say please and thank you.
Towards the end of the conversation, ask if you can offer them your resume or if they prefer that you apply online. Ask for a business card so you can follow up with them after the fair.
After the Career Fair
Sending a thank you note or email after the fair is a good opportunity to remind employers of your interest & skills. Check spelling, grammar, and tone before sending!
Make an appointment with your Career Advisor to get help with interviewing skills, negotiating job offers, and other professional development concerns.
