Your 2026 Fall Career Fair success starts here! Find event information, preparation guides, networking tips, resume resources, and other tools to help you feel confident, make meaningful connections, and maximize your experience at the WPI Fall 2026 Career Fair.
Fall 2026 Career Fair Resources
Save the Date(s) For the 2-Day Fall 2026 Career Fair
New this year, the Fall Career Fair will be held over two days and organized by industry. Most employers will participate on either Wednesday, September 16 or Thursday, September 17, while a select number of employers will attend both days. The goal of hosting a two-day Career Fair is to bring more employers to campus while maintaining a more comfortable environment for all fair participants with shorter lines and less crowding.
Although employers are grouped by industry, we encourage students to attend both days of the Career Fair if it doesn’t interfere with your class schedule. Many organizations recruit students from a wide range of majors, so valuable internship and full-time opportunities may be available on either day, regardless of your academic discipline.
To help you prepare for the Fall 2026 2-Day Career Fair, the Heebner Career Development Center is offering several events designed to help you make the most of your experience.
We’ll be hosting three Workshop Wednesdays leading up to the Career Fair:
- August 26: Resume Writing & Job Offer Negotiation
- September 2: How to Navigate a Career Fair
- September 9: Career Fair Q&A
These workshops are a great way to strengthen your resume, learn strategies for connecting with employers, and get your questions answered so you can feel confident and prepared for the Career Fair on September 16th and 17th. To find out more details or to register for these events, login to Handshake.
Join us for Resumazing on Thursday, September 10, where you’ll have the opportunity to receive one-on-one resume feedback from employers and network with industry professionals before the Career Fair.
Research Employers
☐ Review the list of attending employers on Handshake.
☐ Identify your top 10–15 employers.
☐ Research each company’s mission, products, and opportunities.
☐ Prepare at least one question for each employer.
Prepare Your Resume
☐ Update your resume with your latest experiences.
☐ Have your resume reviewed by the Heebner Career Development Center.
☐ Print 15–20 copies on resume paper (if desired).
☐ Save a PDF copy on your phone or laptop.
Practice Your Introduction
☐ Prepare a 30-second elevator pitch.
☐ Practice introducing yourself confidently.
☐ Be ready to discuss your:
- Major
- Graduation date
- Career interests
- Relevant experiences
- Career goals
Dress Professionally
☐ Wear business professional or business casual attire.
☐ Choose comfortable, professional shoes.
☐ Bring a padfolio or folder for resumes and notes.
☐ Bring your WPI I.D.
Make a Great First Impression
☐ Smile and introduce yourself confidently.
☐ Offer a firm handshake (if appropriate).
☐ Maintain eye contact.
☐ Be enthusiastic and engaged.
Have Meaningful Conversations
☐ Introduce yourself with your elevator pitch.
☐ Ask thoughtful questions about the company and opportunities.
☐ Share relevant coursework, projects, internships, or research.
☐ Listen carefully and ask follow-up questions.
Collect Information
☐ Ask about internship, co-op, and full-time opportunities.
☐ Learn about the application process.
☐ Ask for a recruiter’s business card or LinkedIn information.
☐ Take notes after each conversation.
Explore New Opportunities
☐ Visit companies outside your original list.
☐ Talk with employers even if they’re not actively hiring your major.
☐ Be open to learning about new industries and career paths.
Follow Up
☐ Send thank-you emails or LinkedIn messages within 24–48 hours.
☐ Mention something specific from your conversation.
Apply
☐ Submit applications through Handshake or the employer’s website.
☐ Tailor your resume and cover letter for each position.
☐ Keep track of applications and deadlines.
Stay Connected
☐ Connect with recruiters on LinkedIn.
☐ Monitor your email for interview invitations or next steps.
☐ Schedule a follow-up appointment with the Heebner Career Development Center if you need additional support.
✔ Arrive early to avoid long lines.
✔ Start with a few employers you’re less familiar with to build confidence before visiting your top choices.
✔ Focus on having genuine conversations – not just handing out resumes.
✔ Keep your phone put away unless you’re using it to reference notes or your resume.
✔ Don’t wait in one line all day. Visit other employers and come back later if needed.
✔ Stay positive and confident – every conversation is an opportunity to expand your network.
Remember
The goal of the WPI Fall 2026 Career Fair isn’t just to hand out resumes—it’s to build connections, explore opportunities, and make a lasting impression on employers. Every conversation is a step toward your future career.
The Career Fair is more than just a place to hand out resumes – it’s an opportunity to build professional relationships with employers who are interested in hiring WPI students. A great conversation can help you stand out long after the event ends.
Research Employers
Review the list of attending employers and identify 10–15 organizations you’d like to meet. Learn about:
- Their products or services
- Current job or internship opportunities
- Recent news or projects
- Why you’re interested in the company
Prepare Your Introduction/Elevator Pitch
Have a 30-second introduction ready that includes:
- Your name
- Your major and graduation date
- What you’re interested in
- Why you’re excited to speak with them
Example:
“Hi! I’m Alex, a junior studying Mechanical Engineering at WPI. I’m interested in product design and manufacturing, and I was excited to see your company attending because of your work in sustainable engineering.”
Bring the Essentials
- A positive attitude and a smile
- Multiple copies of your resume
- A notebook or phone to take notes
- Business casual attire
Start with Confidence
Approach the recruiter, smile, make eye contact, and introduce yourself.
Avoid waiting for them to speak first.
Ask Good Questions
Instead of asking:
“What does your company do?”
Try asking:
- What types of internships are you hiring for?
- What qualities make someone successful at your company?
- What projects are interns or new graduates typically work on?
- What do you enjoy most about working there?
- What advice would you give someone hoping to join your team?
Listen and Engage
Networking is a conversation – not a speech.
- Listen carefully.
- Ask follow-up questions.
- Show genuine interest.
- Connect your experiences to what they’re discussing.
Talk About Yourself
Be ready to discuss:
- Your coursework
- Projects
- Research
- Clubs and organizations
- Leadership experiences
- Internships or co-ops
- Technical and soft skills
Focus on experiences that relate to the employer’s opportunities.
Collect Contact Information
If appropriate, ask:
“May I connect with you on LinkedIn?”
or
“Could I have your business card so I can follow up?”
Thank Them
Before leaving, thank the recruiter for their time.
A simple:
“Thank you for speaking with me. I really enjoyed learning about your company.”
goes a long way.
Take Notes
Right after each conversation, write down:
- The recruiter’s name
- Topics you discussed
- Positions you’re interested in
- Any follow-up actions
Apply for Positions
Even if you had a great conversation, most employers still expect you to submit an application through their website or Handshake.
Send a Follow-Up Message
Within 24–48 hours, send a short thank-you email or LinkedIn message.
Example:
Hi Ms. Smith,
It was great meeting you at the WPI Career Fair. I enjoyed learning more about your internship opportunities and your work with renewable energy projects. Thank you for taking the time to speak with me. I look forward to staying in touch and applying for the Mechanical Engineering Internship.
Best,
Alex Johnson
- Be yourself
- Have conversations, not rehearsed speeches
- Ask thoughtful questions
- Show enthusiasm
- Visit multiple employers – even companies you hadn’t considered
- Do not be discourgared by long lines
- Practice with a few employers before talking to your top choices
- Every conversation builds confidence
Remember
The goal isn’t to leave with a job offer – it’s to make a positive, memorable impression. Every conversation is an opportunity to expand your network, learn about career paths, and take one step closer to your future career.
Strong application materials are the foundation of a successful job or internship search. Explore our collection of resources to learn how to showcase your skills, experiences, and accomplishments effectively. Whether you’re creating your first resume or refining your materials for a competitive opportunity, these guides, tip sheets and templates will help you make a strong impression on employers.
We encourage students to wear business casual attire to the WPI Career Fair whenever possible. Dressing professionally helps you make a strong first impression and demonstrates that you’re prepared to engage with employers.
Business casual attire includes items such as button-down shirts, blouses, polo shirts, blazers, khakis, slacks, skirts, dresses, cardigans, and dress shoes or flats. Clean, dark jeans without rips may also be appropriate when paired with a professional top and shoes. The goal is to look polished, confident, and comfortable.
Building a professional wardrobe doesn’t have to be expensive. Stores like TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Old Navy often carry affordable business casual clothing, and thrift stores such as Savers can be excellent places to find quality professional attire at a lower cost.
If purchasing professional clothing isn’t an option, WPI offers Gompei’s Closet, a free on-campus professional clothing resource managed by the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, Multicultural Education, and Accessibility (ODIME). Located on the second floor of the Collegiate Religious Center (CRC), Gompei’s Closet provides students with access to professional attire, including dress shirts, blouses, ties, slacks, shoes, and other clothing items to help them feel confident and prepared for interviews, networking events, and the Career Fair. Request to access the closet and get more information on the Gompei’s Closet website: Gompei’s Closet | Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
Remember, employers are most interested in getting to know you, your experiences, and your skills. Dressing professionally is simply one way to demonstrate your readiness and confidence as you begin building those important career connections.
Career Chat: What To Do If You Can’t Attend The Career Fair
Have questions about the WPI Fall 2026 Career Fair? We’ve got you covered. Find answers to common questions about registration, what to bring, what to wear, navigating the two-day format, talking with employers, and what to do after the fair.
General Career Fair Questions
When is the Fall 2026 Career Fair?
The WPI Fall 2026 Career Fair will take place over two days: Wednesday, September 16, and Thursday, September 17, 2026 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m..
The Career Fair is organized by industry, with most employers attending on one of the two days. A smaller number of employers will attend both days.
Should I attend both days?
Yes, if your schedule allows!
Even though employers are organized by industry, many companies recruit students from a variety of majors and academic backgrounds. Attending both days gives you more opportunities to meet employers, explore different industries, and discover opportunities you may not have considered.
Do I need to register for the Career Fair?
Yes. Students must register for the Career Fair in person. When you register for the fair, you will receive your printed nametag, and you will need this name tag to enter the fair. Registering for the career fair in Handshake will not give students access to their name tags. Students can register for the career fair in person at Pre-Registration on Monday, September 14 and Tuesday, September 15, from 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. at the Career Corner in Unity Hall, 5th Floor and on the days of the career fair on September 16th and September 17th in the Sports & Rec Center.
Bring your WPI student ID.
Do I need to register for the Career Fair twice since it is a 2-day fair?
No, you do not need to register twice! Students can use the same name tag to enter the Career Fair on both Wednesday, September 16 and Thursday, September 17. However, students must check in each day they attend. For example, if a student attends both days, they will check in on Wednesday and again on Thursday, but they can wear the same nametag on both days.
Getting Into the Career Fair
What do I need to enter the Career Fair?
Before entering, make sure you have:
- Your Career Fair name tag
- Your WPI ID
- Your cell phone
- Completed the required Handshake check-in (QR codes will be made available at the event)
- Your phone available to show your Handshake check-in confirmation when requested
- Stored any bags in a designated locker, unless you have a medical accommodation
The line will begin forming at 11:30 a.m. in the Harrington Auditorium.
What if I forgot my name tag?
If you need a Career Fair name tag printed, visit the designated registration table. Be prepared to present your WPI ID.
Do I need to check in through Handshake?
Yes. Career Fair attendees will be required to check into Handshake using the Career Fair QR code and will be asked to show confirmation of their check-in before entering.
What Should I Bring?
Do I need to bring copies of my resume?
We recommend bringing several copies of your resume, especially if you plan to speak with multiple employers.
You should also save a PDF copy of your resume on your phone or laptop.
Should I bring my laptop?
You generally do not need to bring your laptop. Your phone can be useful for accessing Handshake, viewing your resume, researching employers, and taking notes.
Can I bring a backpack or bag?
Career Fair attendees should plan to store bags in a designated locker before entering the event. Exceptions may be made for medical needs.
What Should I Wear?
What should I wear to the Career Fair?
We recommend business casual attire whenever possible.
Professional options can include:
- Button-down shirts or blouses
- Polo shirts
- Blazers or cardigans
- Slacks or khakis
- Skirts or dresses
- Professional shoes or flats
- Clean, dark jeans without rips paired with a professional top
The goal is to look polished, professional, and comfortable.
What if I don’t have professional clothing?
You don’t need to spend a lot of money on Career Fair clothing. Affordable options can be found at stores such as TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Old Navy, and thrift stores.
WPI students can also access Gompei’s Closet, a free professional clothing resource available through the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, Multicultural Education, and Accessibility (ODIME).
Finding Employers
How do I know which employers are attending?
The list of employers attending the Fall 2026 Career Fair is available through Handshake and the Career Fair Resources page.
Review the employer list before the fair and identify 10–15 organizations you would like to meet.
What if an employer isn’t recruiting my major?
Talk to them anyway!
Many employers recruit students from multiple majors and are interested in a variety of skills and experiences. Use the Career Fair as an opportunity to explore industries and career paths you may not have considered.
Should I only talk to employers I already know?
No. While it’s helpful to research your top-choice employers, leave time to explore organizations that are new to you.
You may discover an internship, co-op, or full-time opportunity you didn’t know existed.
Talking with Employers
What should I say when I approach an employer?
Start with a confident introduction that includes:
- Your name
- Your major
- Your graduation date
- Your career interests
- Why you’re interested in the organization
For example:
“Hi, I’m Alex. I’m a junior studying Mechanical Engineering at WPI, and I’m interested in product design and manufacturing. I was excited to see your company here because of your work in sustainable engineering.”
What questions should I ask employers?
Try asking questions that create a conversation rather than questions you could easily answer by looking at the company’s website.
Consider asking:
- What types of internships or full-time positions are you hiring for?
- What qualities make someone successful at your company?
- What types of projects do interns or new graduates typically work on?
- What skills are you looking for in candidates?
- What do you enjoy most about working at the company?
- What advice would you give someone hoping to join your team?
What if I’m nervous?
That’s completely normal!
Start by talking with a few employers you are less familiar with. This gives you a chance to practice your introduction and get comfortable before approaching your top-choice employers.
Remember: the Career Fair is about having conversations, not giving a perfect speech.
During the Career Fair
How long should I talk with each employer?
There is no required amount of time. Focus on having a meaningful conversation rather than trying to visit as many employers as possible.
If there is a long line, be respectful of other students’ time and keep the conversation focused.
What should I do after talking with an employer?
Before leaving:
- Thank the recruiter for their time.
- Ask about next steps.
- Ask how to apply for positions.
- If appropriate, ask for their contact information or connect with them on LinkedIn.
- Take a few notes about your conversation.
What if the employer tells me to apply online?
That’s common! A great conversation at the Career Fair doesn’t replace the employer’s application process.
Follow the employer’s instructions and submit your application through Handshake or the company’s website.
International Student FAQs
Can international students attend the Career Fair?
Absolutely. International students are encouraged to attend and connect with employers.
When researching employers, pay close attention to job descriptions and employer information regarding work authorization and sponsorship.
How should I ask an employer about sponsorship?
You can ask professionally and directly:
“Does your organization sponsor international students for this position?”
You can also ask whether sponsorship is available for internships, co-ops, or full-time positions, depending on your situation.
After the Career Fair
Should I follow up with employers?
Yes!
Follow up with employers within 24–48 hours when possible. Send a brief thank-you email or LinkedIn message and mention something specific from your conversation.
What if I didn’t get a recruiter’s contact information?
That’s okay. The HCDC will send out a Career Fair contact list for all companies and recruiters in attendance after the fair. You can still follow up through LinkedIn or the company’s recruiting contact information.
What if I don’t get an interview?
Don’t get discouraged. Career fairs are about building relationships and learning about opportunities—not guaranteeing an interview or job offer.
Continue applying for positions, connecting with employers, and using the Career Development Center’s resources and advising services.
Need More Help?
The Heebner Career Development Center is here to help you prepare.
You can get support with resumes, elevator pitches, employer research, networking, interview preparation, and other career-related questions.
Upcoming Fall 2026 Career Fair preparation events include:
- August 26: Resume Writing & Job Offer Negotiation
- September 2: How to Navigate a Career Fair
- September 9: Career Fair Q&A
- September 10: Resumazing – receive resume feedback from employers and network with industry professionals
Career Development Center
Unity Hall, 5th Floor
508-831-5260
cdc@wpi.edu
Remember
You don’t have to know exactly what you want before you attend.
Come prepared to ask questions, meet employers, explore possibilities, and build connections. Every conversation is an opportunity to learn something new and take the next step in your career.
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