The Engineering Career Resource Center hosts a variety of career related events throughout the year to help students explore career opportunities and connect with employers. All events are free of charge for students to attend. In person events will take place on North Campus.
*Career fair attendance is restricted to U-M Ann Arbor College of Engineering Students, LSA declared Computer Science students, LSA declared Data Science students and recent CoE and LSA CS/DS alumni only (Note: Alumni interested in participating in virtual events should email [email protected] to request access to events). Some events have additional restrictions.
WHAT IS A CAREER FAIR
A career fair is an opportunity for employers and students to meet one another and determine whether there may be a suitable job match in the near or long term. Career Fairs are held throughout the academic year by student organizations
engineering departments, and the ECRC. If you are searching for a summer internship, co-op, or full-time position then you will want to take advantage of the first Engineering-wide fall career fair held in September when the college recruiting cycle kicks off. That fair, and the winter fair in January, will draw hundreds of employers and thousands of students, so learning how to navigate the fair experience is essential.
Winter 2024 Career Fairs
A list of participating companies will be available within the Events section of Engineering Careers, by 12twenty closer to each event date. See the Career Fair Preparation Resources to prepare for career events in Winter 2024.
There are no more career fairs for the 2023-2024 Academic Year.
WHAT IS A COMPANY DAY
A company day is a small-scale career event that allows students and employers to engage in either active recruiting opportunities or networking exchanges that allow for information to be shared. Company Days happen more frequently throughout the academic year.
Winter 2024 Company Days
Company Days allow students the opportunity to engage with organizations for recruitment and networking purposes. A list of participating companies and event location will be available within the Events section of Engineering Careers, by 12twenty closer to each event date.
There are no more company days for the 2023-2024 Academic Year.
CAREER FAIR PREPARATION
Career Fair Preparation
- Utilize college resources to determine what companies will be attending the fair
- Determine which companies are looking for you:
- Position type, major, degree, work authorization status, etc.
- Create a top-10 list
- Research each company and possible positions of interest
- Network! Attend other campus events that companies you are interested in may be hosting prior to or after the fair
- Be proactive and apply for open positions prior to the fair and mention this in your conversation
- Have a well-written resume
- Attend a resume writing workshop or schedule a resume review
- Create a 30-second elevator pitch and practice it!
- Prepare questions for your companies of interest
- Plan your professional attire
- Prepare a folder/portfolio with multiple copies of your resume, notepad, pen, and your list of researched companies
Career Fair Day
- Bring a positive attitude, smile, confident handshake, and targeted pitch to each recruiter you meet
- Convey interest, demonstrate knowledge about the company/position, explore fit, be engaging
- Be respectful of recruiters’ time before, during, and at the end of the fair
- Be prepared for long lines
- Review your research on the company while you wait
- Take notes on your interactions, including who you spoke with.
- Request contact information and follow up with a thank-you email after the fair
Tips for Virtual Career Fairs
- Prepare as you would for an in person fair
- Carefully read the instructions and/or guide for the Virtual Career Fair you plan to attend so you fully understand how to use the platform and follow any recommended tasks before the fair. This could mean setting up a profile and testing technology
- Plan the location you will be at during the fair to make sure you have secure internet and phone reception as well as a professional background for video calls
- Know that technical difficulties may happen. Whether your connection is not strong or your video does not work, try not to let that interfere with your focus
- Pay attention to when sign up for 1-on-1 appointments begins and ends
Additional Career Fair Preparation Resources
The information below can help students prepare for in person and virtual events.
- Student Guide to Career Events
- Career Workshops
- Career Fair Preparation Module on Canvas
- Resource Library of Engineering Careers, by 12twenty includes additional resources
- Research companies of interest prior to an event, the list of participating employers per event will be available in Engineering Careers, by 12twenty closer to each event date
ELEVATOR PITCH
An elevator pitch is a short (30-60 second), concise, and memorable introduction. It highlights your strengths and what distinguishes you from others. It provides employers with quality information about who you are, and what you can offer them. When creating your pitch, think carefully about what you want each individual employer to know about you, and how you can help them. After you formulate your pitch, practice it often. The goal is to sound confident, sincere, and engaging, without sounding rehearsed.
- Include your name, major, and grad date or class level.
- Highlight your skills, strengths, and experiences.
- Describe what opportunities you are looking for.
- Why are you at their table?
- Tailor your pitch to each company (and situation)!
- Describe your specific interest in their company.
- Help the employer see the connection between your background/skills and their company.
Sample Elevator Pitch
Hello, my name is Emma Walters and I am a sophomore at the University of Michigan studying mechanical engineering. I am seeking an internship in the biomedical industry with a focus on joint mechanics.
I have worked on two complex biomedical engineering projects, which I believe will be an asset for this type of internship. Last year I worked on a student team where we studied the Stryker Triathlon Total Knee Replacement and proposed a design recommendation that reduced bone deterioration within patients.
I am also currently working with Michigan Neuroprosthetics to design a neurologically controlled hand prosthetic to be 3D-printed for use on patients with wrist amputations. These experiences have enhanced my leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills, which would be beneficial in a regulatory affairs engineering internship with Zimmer Biomet. Could you tell me more about the internship program?
DISABILITY ACCOMODATION NOTICE
Please let us know how we can ensure that our events are inclusive to you. Please fill out this form to let us know what accommodations or access needs we can help facilitate at least one week prior to the event.
ADVISING
Individual Appointments
Schedule an appointment within Engineering Careers, by 12twenty.
Appointments may be scheduled with ECRC Career Advisors for career fair preparation
Please Note: Appointments are typically posted on Monday for the following week only. We encourage you to check back on Monday afternoons to view more appointments for the following week
Workshops
The ECRC hosts multiple career fair prep workshops throughout the year for current students. Make sure you are prepared and understand how to navigate, network, and get noticed. Learn how to construct an elevator pitch, identify employers of interest, and be better prepared for those quick recruiter conversations.
View our workshop calendar for upcoming workshops. You can also view workshop slides within Engineering Careers, by 12twenty.
Canvas Course
The ECRC provides a career fair prep career development module in Canvas.
This module is for students who plan to attend an engineering career fair.
We will discuss best practices for the career fair, format and location of the fair, elevator pitches, how to effectively communicate with employers, and more.