Endicott’s Internship, Co-op, & Career Fair is almost here—and let’s be real, you might be freaking out a little. What do I wear? What do I say? How do I even stand out in a room full of students? And once it’s over, how do I follow up without feeling awkward?
Take a deep breath: we’ve got you covered. From prepping your pitch to making connections at the fair and knowing exactly how to follow up afterward, here’s a game plan that will help you go in confident, leave a great impression, and maybe even walk away with your next internship.
Before the Fair
Prep like a pro. Know which companies are coming, what they do, and the roles they’re hiring for. Practice a short, confident introduction (30 seconds is perfect!) and be ready to talk about your experience, classes, or projects that show off your skills. Make sure to bring multiple copies of your resume. Even if some companies don’t ask for it, having one ready shows you’re serious and helps you feel secure walking in.
“Knowing something about the organization, so that you start with a thoughtful question, makes a huge impression,” said Dale McLennan, Dean of the Internship & Career Center. “You don’t have to know everything about the company, but just enough that you can ask a good question. A little goes a long way.”
What to Wear
Your outfit speaks before you even say hello, so make it count. Aim for business casual that’s polished but still feels like you: nothing stiff or over-the-top. Slacks, a skirt, or tailored pants with a crisp top or button-down are always a safe bet, and choose shoes you can actually walk the room in. Leave sweatpants, hoodies, jeans, and anything too flashy at home. The easiest way to seal the first impression? A genuine smile—it goes farther than anything else you wear.
During the Fair: Questions to Ask
Skip the stuff you could easily Google, as most recruiters hear the same basic questions all day. Instead, focus on their experience and your future: ask what a typical day looks like for an intern, what skills or qualities make someone successful, or what they’ve liked about working with Endicott students.
Listen carefully, take notes, and pay attention to details so your follow-up feels natural. Asking thoughtful questions shows you’re thinking ahead, picturing yourself in the role, and makes a much stronger impression than any rehearsed pitch ever could.
“Know your resume so that you can talk about it. Don’t recite the whole thing, but the key points that would really resonate with the company that you're speaking to,” said Brenda Campbell, Senior Director of Employer Relations for Endicott’s Internship & Career Center.
If the room is packed, don’t rush. Wait patiently or ask how you can follow up afterward. The goal isn’t to talk to everyone—it’s to make meaningful connections.
“Some of these companies will have long lines, and it’s going to be hard to get much time. That’s frustrating, but that’s just the nature of it,” said Kate Chroust, Senior Director of Career Services for Endicott’s Internship & Career Center.
“You don’t want to lurk around if you know your questions are answered and you can move on, and there are people waiting. But you also don't want to rush away if you have the chance to ask some good questions,” she added.
Stay Organized While You’re There
You’ll be handed flyers, business cards, and sometimes even asked to scan QR codes or write down information. Having a small bag, folder, or padfolio keeps everything in one place and makes you look prepared and professional. It also saves you from trying to juggle papers while introducing yourself. Right after each conversation, step to the side and write down a quick note with the recruiter’s name and one thing you talked about. It takes 10 seconds and makes following up later so much easier.
After the Fair
The fair doesn’t end when you leave. Send a thank-you email or LinkedIn note to company representatives you met, mentioning something specific from your conversation so they remember you. Keep track of who you spoke with and what you discussed. These little touches can make a big difference when it comes time to hire.
“Getting a name to connect with on LinkedIn is something you should do. As soon as you leave that booth, make sure you've gotten their name and know it, and then connect on LinkedIn and thank them,” said Campbell.
Don’t forget that some of the best career connections are right here in the Endicott community. The Gull2Gull Mentoring Program is an easy way to keep the energy going by connecting you with alumni who were once in your exact position and are now working in the fields you’re interested in.
Whether you’re unsure about your next step, want your resume reviewed, or just need advice on how to turn that quick career fair conversation into an actual opportunity, having an alum in your corner makes the process feel a lot less scary.
Remember, recruiters are there to meet you, not intimidate you. Prep gives you confidence, but your curiosity, energy, and personality are what make you memorable. Walk in with a plan, a smile, and a little courage—you’ve got this.