Prepare ahead of time for the fairs to make sure you get the most out of your experience. This page will provide you with some resources and tips to help you get started.
You can view all upcoming career fairs at UW-Madison on Handshake.
Fair Prep Events
This is an accordion element with a series of buttons that open and close related content panels.
College of Letters & Science
College of Letters & Science Career Fair Prep Night
Monday, February 10, 2025 / 4:00 – 6:00pm
Gordon Dining & Events Center
Prepare for the career and internship fairs! Whether it’s your first time attending a career fair or you are a seasoned pro, we have a great line up of pre-fair resources to check out. We know that career fairs can be overwhelming to some so we’re here to help!
SuccessWorks staff and employers will be on hand to assist you 1:1 with:
- Resume reviews: bring your resume to get feedback for the fairs
- Advice to create, practice, and receive feedback on your personal introduction
- Get your career fair questions answered and feel confident for the big event(s)
- FREE LinkedIn headshots!
- FREE professional padfolios to the first 25 students at the event – great for interviews, internships, jobs, and more!
Students are welcome to drop-in throughout the event. Please bring your student ID (and resume if you want it reviewed!). There is no dress code for this event, although you may want to wear a nice top if you plan to get a LinkedIn headshot.
All students are welcome to stop in for this event – registration is not required but is encouraged!
School of Human Ecology
Rapid Resume Reviews
Monday, February 17, 2025 / 12:00pm – 2:00pm
The Link (Nancy Nicholas Hall)
Join SoHE Career staff for Rapid Resume Reviews in the Link (Nancy Nicholas Hall) Monday, February 17th, Noon-2 p.m. in preparation for the career fair.
————————
Mock Interview Night
Monday, February 17, 2025 / 5:30 – 8:00pm
Nancy Nicholas Hall
Come practice your interviewing skills with industry professionals, who will provide 15-minute mock-interviews including constructive feedback on your performance. Interviews will be arranged as a rotational process, giving each student 2-3 opportunities to gain experience with this vital professional skill. With the all-campus career fair occurring the very next days (Feb 18 & 19), this low-pressure, supportive environment will provide crucial practice and feedback so you can begin your internship/job search with confidence!
Rapid resume review will also be offered by industry mentors, as “drop-in” option prior to your interview assignment or after you have completed your sessions.
Students will be contacted with their specific interview time once registered as final details are confirmed. Expect a 30-minute time slot to be shared via email within 1 week of our event.
For International Students
Career Fair Prep for International Students
Wednesday, February 12, 2025 / 4:30 – 5:30pm
Memorial Library – Room 126
International students: this one-hour workshop will cover the basics of what you need to know as you prepare for the all-campus career fair!
You’ll learn about:
- How to introduce yourself to employers
- Career fair tips and advice
- Help answering common employer questions
- VISA eligibility, CPT/OPT work authorizations and navigating the U.S. job market
If you need an accommodation to attend this workshop, please contact iss_studentlife@wisc.edu.
We’re here to help you get ready for the Fair! Whether it’s your first time attending a career fair or you are a seasoned pro, you can use the resources on this page or attend relevant events listed here for help preparing for the fairs.
Career Fair FAQ
This is an accordion element with a series of buttons that open and close related content panels.
What should I wear to the career fairs?
We encourage students to wear business casual attire. A full suit isn’t necessary (unless you want to wear one)!
Which fairs should I attend?
View the descriptions, attending employers, and job roles listed for each fair to determine whether it might be of interest to you. You are encouraged to attend as many fairs as you’d like!
The all-campus Career & Internship Fair will have employers representing a wide variety of industries and job roles, while other fairs might be more specific to certain industries or organizations. Learn more from the Fair descriptions on the main page and view attending employer information on Handshake.
Do I need to register to attend the Fairs?
For the in-person all-campus Career & Internship Fair, registration is not required, but it’s a good idea to review the fair in Handshake to learn more about the attending employers.
For virtual fairs, you will need to register in advance and sign up for sessions with employers via Handshake.
Are first year students able to attend career fairs?
Yes! First year students can attend to learn more about companies and potential job opportunities. Employers that are open to meeting with first year students will be marked at the fair.
Before the Fairs
Before the fairs, do some research on the employers who will be attending and think about which employers you’d like to meet with and learn more about. Write down two or three questions you would ask a recruiter. Below are some sample questions you might want to ask.
This is an accordion element with a series of buttons that open and close related content panels.
Sample Questions to Ask Employers
- What skills or traits do you look for in candidates?
- What is your company’s hiring timeline?
- What are some of the key responsibilities of this job/internship?
- What is a typical career path for someone coming in at my level?
- What kind of training program does your organization have? Formal/Informal? Short term/Long term?
- What is a day like in this position?
- What type of formal education is required for entry-level, mid-level, upper-level, positions?
- Do people filling this type of position work in a structured or non-structured environment?
- How is performance evaluated? How often?
- What degree of task variety would a person see in their first year?
- What opportunities did you take advantage of while you were in college to help you prepare for your job?
- How much client contact do you have?
Career Advising
Need to do a deeper dive into your career exploration? Meet with a Career Advisor before the Fairs! Schedule a 1:1 appointment by clicking on the link below with your respected School or College:
College of Agricultural & Life Sciences
Don’t see your school/college listed? Go here to view all career services at UW-Madison.