What to Expect at the Spring 2025 Tufts Career Fair

New to the career fair setting? Not sure what to expect? No problem! Review this page for details, and visit our daily Career Lab/Drop-Ins for answers to all your questions.

When/Where is the Fair?

The Spring Career Fair will take place on Friday, February 14th from 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM in Gantcher. View the map below for the location of career fair check-in, our employer tables, the Career Center table (great place to ask questions!).

Who Should Attend?

Everyone is invited — first-year students through grad students from all majors and academic programs. If you’re not sure about speaking with employers, feel free to walk around and observe! You can also collect handouts from employer tables and scan their QR codes for more information about their jobs, internships, and programs.

Important Reminders

  • Pre-register for the fair on Handshake: Registration on Handshake is required for admission to the career fair. Please make sure to register ahead of time.
  • Bring your Tufts Student IDs: Student IDs will be checked upon entry to the fair. You will not be permitted to enter the fair without your student ID.
  • No backpacks or bags of any kind. Leave your backpacks and bags at home! No bags or backpacks will be allowed inside the fair.
  • Front entrance only. Students will be invited to enter the fair through the front entrance of Gantcher only. There will be no side entrance through Tisch this year.

Before the Fair

  1. Register for the fair on Handshake and add it to your calendar
  2. Get your resume checked by the Career Center (we have daily Career Labs for this from 12-2pm!) and upload it to your Handshake profile.  We also encourage you to make printed copies (30-40) to hand out at the fair.
  3. Attend Prepare for the Fair virtual session on 1/24 at 12pm (or watch pre-recorded session on our Youtube page if you can’t make it)
  4. Review the list of attending companies – Go to the career fair page on Handshake to find out which employers will be there. Identify the companies that align with your career interests. Learn about their values, mission, and open positions, and come up with a question or two to ask the representative
  5. Practice networking: Practice approaching employers with friends or a career advisor in advance.
    1. Plan your Elevator Pitch: Create a 30-second summary of who you are, what you are studying, and what kind of opportunity you are seeking. Start by introducing yourself with first and last name and tell the recruiter your class year and major(s). Share a sentence or two about why you’re interested in the organization and ask a question; for example, “I saw in Handshake that you have internships in [describe area]. Could you tell me more about the typical tasks involved in the position?”
    1. Connect with Tufts alumni (Jumbos):  We will also have a number of alumni joining the career fair representing various employers.   They are interested in your background and interests and want to answer your questions. 

  • Your student ID so you can check in to the fair – this event is only for Tufts students and alumni to attend.
  • Copies of your resume to hand out to employers
  • Your phone (with the Handshake app downloaded!) so you can scan employer QR codes. This will help the employers keep track of who they talked to so they can follow up with you on Handshake if they want to connect further

  • Comfort and Confidence: Choose clothes that allow you to feel comfortable while also maintaining a professional/business casual appearance.
  • Avoid logos and busy patterns
  • Keep accessories and jewelry to a minimum
  • Smile! Aim to look friendly and approachable
  • Tip: Check out our Photo Booth during the fair where you can get a free LinkedIn headshot taken!

During the Fair

  • Student Check-in Tables: You can enter the fair via the front entrance of Gantcher. You will be directed by career center staff to the Student Check-in table, where you will be asked to tap your student ID card.
  • Nametag Tables: After checking in, make a nametag so employers can get to know you
  • Career Center Q&A Table: Visit the Q&A table to the left of the entrance – here we will have a map that shows where all of our employers are located as well as a Career Guide with a list of all employers in attendance.
    • Tip: Employers in the Career Guide with a globe next to their name have indicated that they will sponsor international students
  • Employer booths: There will be several rows of booths lined up with employer representatives, arranged in alphabetical order. Upon arrival, check the map for the fair’s layout. You may want to start with a quick walkthrough just to get situated before you approach an employer booth.
    • Tip: Prioritize key employers – Start by visiting companies you researched , especially those with long lines

Other areas to take advantage of during the fair:

  • LinkedIn Photobooth – Stop by the photo booth to get a headshot taken. Heads up: the line is often long, but it moves quickly!
  • Student Hangout Area –  Come to the hangout area at anytime to take a breather and eat a granola bar!
  • Quiet conversation space – This new addition to our fair offers students the opportunity to connect with employers in a quieter environment. If the gym feels to loud and overstimulating, you can ask an employer if they would be open to chatting with you in the quiet conversation space, and you can walk over there together to connect in private. Feel free to stop by the Career Center table to discuss how to invite an employer to converse in this space if you feel unsure.

  • Scan the QR code at the employer booth to virtually “check in” to the employer booth so they have record that they talked to you
  • Approach employers confidently. Introduce yourself with your elevator pitch and a firm handshake. Mention why you’re interested in the company and briefly discuss your relevant skills.
    • Remember, you can ask them to join you in the quiet conversation space if the noise level feels distracting!
  • Ask insightful questions: Employers appreciate students who ask questions about company culture, job roles, and how they support diversity and inclusion in the workplace. This is also a great way to learn more about whether the company would be a good fit for you!
  • Grab handouts, candy, or swag!
  • Take notes: After speaking to each employer, you may want to jot down key points about the conversation and their contact information. This will help when following up with recruiters later.

After the Fair

  1. Send thank you emails: Within 24-48 hours of the fair, send personalized thank-you emails to recruiters you met. Mention something specific from your conversation to stand out, and reiterate your interest in their company and the positions you discussed.
  2. Follow companies on Handshake so you can stay connected and be notified when they post new jobs or events
  3. Apply for jobs and internships – if you submit an application, let the recruiter who you talked with know so they can look out for your application.
  4. Debrief and reflect – Reflect on your experience. Did any employers particularly resonate with you? What went well, and what could you improve next time? Consider scheduling a post-fair meeting with a career advisor to discuss

Helpful Resources

Career Fair Map