Career fairs are your gateway to exciting opportunities! Whether you’re exploring options or ready to launch your career, the Career Center is here to help you show up prepared and polished.
Why Attend a Career Fair?
Career fairs are more than just events—they’re stepping stones to your future. Meet potential employers, discover internships and jobs, and sharpen your professional communication skills. No matter your year or major, career fairs are a smart move toward your goals.
How to Prepare
Before the Event
- Update Connections Account:
- Connections Login | My Account/Personal
- Connections Login | My Account/Personal
- Research the Companies:
- Skills and experiences they value
- Key players in the organization
- News and recent events about the company
- Company culture, mission, and values
- Clients, products, and services
- Create/Update Your Resume:
- No typos and truthful
- Full page and include GPA if 3.0+
- Upload to Connections
- Gather Your Professional Attire:
- Suit/Tie OR Blazer/Tie/Slacks
- Skirt/Pantsuit with coordinating blouse
- Cardigan/Blouse/Slacks
- Prepare Your Elevator Pitch:
- Name, major, and classification
- Skills that are relevant to the position
- Any experience that is relevant (Internship, Co-Op)
During the Event
- Self Evaluate:
- Be CONFIDENT!
- Check appearance before the fair
- Dress appropriately in professional attire
- Check In:
- Arrive early
- Wear your name-tag
- Look at the handout of companies
- Be Strategic:
- Visit companies with short lines to maximize your time
- Rank employers with longer lines in order of importance
- Connect with unfamiliar companies
After the Event
- Follow Up:
- Send a message to employers you interacted with
- Apply to positions in Connections
- Look for other opportunities to network and stay connected
- Self Evaluate – AGAIN:
- Analyze how conversations went
- Identify ways to improve for the next event
- Be Encouraged:
- Celebrate putting yourself out there
How the Career Center Can Help!
Your Resume
Perfect Your Resume
- Create/Update Your Resume
- Drop In Hours from 11am to 2pm
- Attend Resume Blitz | 10am to 2pm | Montgomery Hall
- Wednesday, Sept. 10
- Thursday, Sept. 11
- Monday, Sept. 15
Elevator Pitch
Craft Your Elevator Pitch
- Use our Elevator Pitch Resource to start
- Gather Input from Others
- Practice, Practice, Practice
Practice Before Your Interview
- Practice your Elevator Pitch or for an Upcoming Interview
- Receive Instant AI Feedback
- Available 24/7 to MSU Students
Dress for Success
Mississippi State Career Closet
Wondering what to wear? The Mississippi State Career Closet provides access to rent professional attire for career fairs, interviews, and networking events. Let us help you dress to impress and make a lasting first impression. Vouchers are available to those who need financial support.