Career fair prep hack: Create a “3-2-1” plan

Career fairs can feel overwhelming, especially when there are nearly 90 employers in attendance. The good news is that you do not need to speak with every organization there. Doing a little research before the event can help you decide where to focus your time and feel more confident when introducing yourself.

Start by reviewing the employer list on Handshake and filtering by industry, location, degree level, major, or opportunity type. Keep an open mind as you browse. An organization may not seem directly connected to your field at first, but it's important to consider all the relevant departments that most organizations have, such as communications, technology, human resources, finance, research, social services, or operations.

As you identify potential employers, look beyond the company's Handshake page. Visit its website to learn about open positions, qualifications, locations, deadlines, and current initiatives. You do not need to know everything about the organization, but it's important to know enough that you understand why you are interested and what you would like to learn.

After your research, try creating a simple "3-2-1" plan:

• Three priority employers you want to meet.
• Two employers you would like to explore.
• One backup employer in case lines or schedules change.

For each organization, write down one relevant fact, one connection to your background, and one question to ask. Your question should show that you've done your research. Instead of asking, "What does your company do?" try something more specific, such as, "I noticed that your organization offers opportunities in community outreach. What experiences or skills help new graduates succeed in those roles?"

You should also prepare a brief introduction that shares your name, program or area of study, career interests, and one relevant skill or experience. Then connect your introduction to something you learned about the employer. This will help you begin the conversation comfortably.

Finally, remember that career fairs are opportunities to explore career paths, practice talking about your experience, and build professional relationships. With a focused employer list and a few thoughtful questions, you can walk into the fair with a clear plan and make each conversation count.