Want an internship or job?  Here’s how to pave the way at the accounting career fair:

Get there early

Arrive to the career fair the minute it starts at 3:00 PM. Why you ask?

• You’re a business major – do the math.  The more firms you meet, the better your odds.  Each firm has something unique to offer, and you never know which firm is right for you until you start learning about their opportunities and meeting their professionals.  You don’t have time to meet every firm unless you get there early.
• You’ll be valuing your time by making the rounds early.  Most students don’t arrive until 1-2 hours in, at which point it packs out.  You can talk to more firms in the first hour alone than you can in the following 3 hours combined.
• And you’ll catch firm employees at their best.  They’ve been working since 8 AM that morning.  Career fairs typically run from late afternoon past dinner hours.  Catch them while they’re still mentally sharp in the afternoon.

Prepare your personal pitch

When you introduce yourself to a firm employee, state your name, your year, and what you’re looking for. “Hi my name is Brad, it’s great to meet you. I’m a junior accounting student interested in internships and summer leadership opportunities. What programs does your firm offer for juniors?”

Oh, and don’t forget the basics:

• Give a firm handshake
• Smile and make eye contact

Within 24 hours, write a ‘thank you’ note

Forgetting to write a thank you note after a great conversation at the career fair is like smoking your own Thanksgiving Day turkey and dropping it in on the floor right before you serve it. Don’t fall into that trap!

Be sure to reference our brief guide on how to write a killer thank you note the day of the career fair!

The little things – a checklist

1. Print 50+ copies of your resume on ‘resume paper’
2. Wear professional attire
3. Meet as many professionals as possible – if you see someone with a nametag standing alone, go up and introduce yourself.
4. Be sure to trade your resume for a business card.
5. Don’t be afraid to take a quick break.  It’s a great time to re-group and write some quick notes about each professional you’ve met on their business card.  This will come in handy when writing thank you notes.
6. Relax and be yourself – you got this!