Student career fair returns to Barton Hall

The campuswide career fair for students returns in-person this fall for the first time since 2019, after shifting to a virtual environment due the COVID-19 pandemic.

The event, hosted by Cornell Career Services, will connect students with more than 150 employers across various industries Sept. 24-25, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., in Barton Hall.

"Talking to people virtually is nice, but I think there's an element of human interaction that gets lost in that format," said David Epega '26, a peer career coach in Cornell Career Services who went to last year's virtual career fair. "I'm looking forward to actually meeting with different companies face-to-face and learn more about what's out there."

While the online option was flexible for students and employers, Erica Kryst, executive director of Cornell Career Services, is looking forward to the enhanced opportunities an in-person format provides Cornellians.

"Students can explore and network directly with a broad array of industries and employers," Kryst said. "It also enables employers to connect with many students from across our schools and colleges in one place."

Students can take advantage of several career fair preparation resources as the event draws near. Offices across the Cornell career network will host prep workshops and programs during the week of Sept. 16.

The career fair preparation moduleon career services' Career Development Toolkit platform helps students develop a strategy for researching and meeting with employers. Students can also book an appointmentwith a career coach in the Cornell Career Services office or in their college's career office to go over resumes, practice talking with employers and more.

"Understanding what to expect at a fair and preparing can make a difference," said Jessamyn Perlus, senior associate director of Cornell Career Services. "Career services programs, resources and staff can help students identify and describe the skills employers are looking for, such as communication, teamwork, critical thinking and digital technology."

While students should be prepared for the career fair, Epega advises his peers not to overwhelm themselves as the event approaches.

"Don't look at it as a challenge - look at it as an opportunity," Epega said. "You choose the opportunities you want to pursue. Come prepared, but also have fun and be yourself."

The career fair is free, and students are encouraged to register through Handshake. The dress code is business casual. Students who need clothing options for the career fair can check out the Wardrobe, a student organization providing professional clothes for Cornell students.

Kelly Kuehn is a communications lead for Student and Campus Life.