Harrisburg Fall Career Fair

You don't have to prepare for the career fair on your own. Career Services offers events and resources to help you feel confident and prepared before you arrive.

• Attend career fair prep events to learn what to expect and how to make the most of the experience. View upcoming Career Services events on Discover East (login required).
• Stop by drop-ins to get feedback on your resume. See Discover East for dates and times.
• Attend workshops and employer information sessions to prepare for conversations with recruiters. 
• Schedule a career counseling appointment if you'd like more personalized help with your elevator pitch, career goals, or career fair strategy.

Don't try to visit every employer. Identify your top 10–15 employers and make a plan for who you want to meet.

You don't need to memorize everything about an employer. Focus on learning enough to have a more informed conversation.

Before you go:

• Explore the employers list. 
  Find out which employers will be attending the day you plan to go and what internships, co-ops, and full-time opportunities they are recruiting for. 
  Find the career fair in Nittany Lion Careers (direct link above)
  • Click the "Attending Employers" tab
  • Use the Keywords search, "Industry" filter, and "More Filters" to create a targeted list of employers.
  • International Students: identify employers who are providing visa sponsorship by selecting the appropriate option(s) under “More Filters." 
• Research your top employers. 
  Learn about their industry, products or services, mission, and recent news or initiatives. Think about why you're interested in the organization and how your skills, experience, or interests connect to their opportunities.
• Prepare a few questions. 
  Use what you learn during your research to come up with questions you can ask the recruiter. Avoid questions that can easily be answered by looking at the company's website. For example:
  • How would you describe the company culture?
  • What does a typical career development track look like for an entry-level employee at [company name]?
  • What’s your favorite part about working for [company name]?
  • What is the #1 thing your talent team looks at when evaluating a potential new hire?

• Check out our Penn State Career Guide.
• We recommend bringing 20–50 printed copies, especially if you plan to speak with many employers. 

Your elevator pitch is a 30-second introduction that gives you a way to start a conversation and highlight what you bring to the table. 

Don't memorize a script. Practice enough that your introduction feels natural and conversational.

Try this simple structure:

• Introduce yourself: Your name and major/year 
• Share what you bring: Relevant experience, skills, coursework, or interests 
• Show you did your research: Mention something specific about the employer 
• Ask a question: Give the employer an opening to start a conversation

For example:

“Hi, my name is ___, and I’m a ___ major at Penn State Harrisburg. I’ve been gaining experience in ___, and I’m really interested in ___. I was excited to see that your organization ___ . Could you tell me a little more about ___?”

Want to see it in action?
Watch this short career fair prep video for tips on interacting with employers and common career fair do's and don'ts.

Professional attire is strongly encouraged, but you don't need a perfect or expensive outfit. Choose something that is:

• Professional 
• Comfortable 
• Appropriate for the setting 
• Something that makes you feel confident

No dress shoes? Clean, professional alternatives (e.g., sneakers, Vans, Converse, boots) are acceptable.

Want ideas? Check out our Pinterest page.

Need an outfit? Visit the Career Closet (SEC 212), Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. (free of charge).

Pack light! We recommend:

• Penn State ID (digital or physical)
• Resumes: Bring 20 to 50 printed copies in a folder or portfolio to keep them organized.
• Name tag with your name and major (University Park only; provided at Harrisburg fairs)
• Pen and notepad for taking notes and recording recruiter contact information.
• Reusable water bottle: Refill stations will be available throughout the event.
• Umbrella or rain gear: Check the forecast and plan accordingly.
• Light snacks to stay energized during the fair.

 Fall Career Day at University Park:

• A printer and copier will be available on-site, but we strongly recommend printing your resumes before you arrive.
  • You may print one copy of your resume.
  • A copier will be available if you need additional copies.
• The printer and copier are located near the bathrooms, just outside the back entrance to the arena floor near Employer Check-In.
• Lines may be longer during busy periods, and the equipment may occasionally be unavailable due to maintenance.

Career Fair at Harrisburg:

• The closest printer is located in the EABN 2nd Floor Lounge and offers both color and black-and-white printing.
• We strongly recommend printing your resumes before arriving so you can focus on connecting with employers.

Talk with your professor ahead of time about the absence and any work you may miss.

Career Services can provide information to faculty about career fair attendance. If your professor needs verification that you attended, they can contact Career Services.

 Fall Career Day at University Park:

• Contact [email protected] as early as possible with any accommodation requests or accessibility questions.

Career Fair at Harrisburg:

• If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about physical access, please reach out to us at [email protected] or call 717-948-6260 at least two weeks prior to the event. This will allow us sufficient time to best meet your access needs. 

• You don't need to talk to every employer. Prioritize the employers you're most interested in and visit them early. 
• Lines are common, so give yourself enough time for your top choices.

1. Introduce yourself.
   Share your name, major, and graduation year.
2. Use your elevator pitch.
   Tell them who you are and why you're interested.
3. Ask questions.
   Show that you've done your research and want to learn more.
4. Share your resume.
   If appropriate, give the employer a copy and be prepared to discuss your experience, qualifications, and career goals.
5. Take notes.
   Write down the representative's name and contact information, what you discussed, and any next steps.
6. Ask how to apply.
   Some employers may direct you to apply online. That's normal and may be part of their recruiting process.

Pro Tips:

• Advocate for yourself. If an employer invites you to interview during or after the fair -- especially Career Days at University Park -- and traveling from your campus may be a challenge, don't hesitate to discuss your situation and ask whether a virtual interview option is available. Many employers understand that Penn State students attend from campuses across the Commonwealth and may be able to offer flexibility.
• If you’re wearing a name tag, place it on the right side. Include your name and major. This placement makes it easier for employers to see your name when shaking your hand and starting a conversation.

Career fairs can be overwhelming. It's okay to step away and recharge.

Fall Career Days at University Park:

• A student lounge with water and a quiet room will be available. Follow the signs to the arena area and corridor.
• A Lactation Station is also available near Employer Check-In.
• Need help finding these spaces? Look for a Career Services team member wearing a pink shirt.

Career Fair at Harrisburg:

• A designated quiet/break area will be available near the student belonging check-in area for students who need a place to take a break during the fair.
• Lactation Stations are available in the Wellness Center (CUB 220) and Library 115D.

The career fair is often just the first step in the recruiting process.

• If any employer asks you to apply online, do it. Most companies track applicants in their own systems and need your information on file. Show the interest is mutual and that you can follow directions.
• Send a thank-you note. Follow up with any contacts that you've made. Mention something specific you discussed and let them know you're interested in staying connected.
• Connect on LinkedIn. If you made a networking connection, reach out via Linkedin to grow your network.
• Track Your Next Steps. Record the employers you spoke with, positions you're interested in, applications you've submitted, follow-up messages you have sent, and any next steps or deadlines.

Don't navigate the next steps alone. Career Services is here to help you build on the connections you made at the career fair and turn them into opportunities. Whether you need support following up with employers, updating your resume, preparing for interviews, evaluating job offers, or planning your job search, we're here for you every step of the way.

• Call: 717-948-6260
• Email: [email protected]
• Visit: SEC 212

You can also schedule an appointment through Nittany Lion Careers or stop by during our Resume & Cover Letter drop-in hours.

Most importantly, be yourself and start conversations. You don't have to know exactly what you want before you attend. Talk to employers, ask questions, and use the experience to explore what's out there.

Look for someone in a Career Services shirt (pink at the UP fair, blue at Harrisburg). They are there to help you!