Game Day Strategy: Navigating the Fall Career & Internship Fair

The semester’s biggest recruiting opportunity is finally here. Over 130 employers — spanning tech giants, federal agencies, healthcare systems, and regional non-profits — are arriving at the Retriever Activities Center (RAC) with one primary objective: identifying top UMBC talent for upcoming internships and full-time positions.

Navigating a floor packed with recruiters and fellow Retrievers can feel intense. However, walking in with a clear, strategic game plan transforms performance anxiety into confidence. Here is how to execute your strategy from line-entry to post-event follow-up.

Prioritize Your Employer Target List
Attempting to visit every single booth will burn through your time and energy. Check out the Directory beforehand to review the participating employer directory, look for your major or visa requirements, and organize organizations into two tiers:

• Tier 1: Your top 3–5 must-speak-with organizations.
• Tier 2: Secondary organizations that align with your broader industry interests.

Pro Tip: Visit a Tier 2 employer before approaching your dream company. This lets you practice your introduction, shake off any initial nerves, and refine your ask before it matters most.

Structure a More Strategic Pitch
Recruiters speak with dozens of students every hour. Stand out by delivering a focused introduction that goes beyond what your peers may be delivering. Try out this three-part plan:

1. Go to the Careers Page of a Tier 1 Organization. See if they have internships listed, or a career role that is relevant to your industry or field.
2. Apply to the Role, or Be Familiar with the Description. Figure out if there’s a specific team or project that you’d be working with.
3. Mention What You’ve Found to the Recruiter. Ask them if there’s possibly a contact tied to that role to get in touch with, if possible.

“Hi, I'm Jordan, a senior Information Systems major. I actually applied online yesterday for your Junior Data Analyst opening (Req #4082) on the Healthcare Analytics team. I noticed the position focuses heavily on SQL pipeline design, which aligns directly with a database project I just completed. Since I've already submitted my application through your portal, is there a hiring manager or team talent lead associated with that role whom I could reach out to directly?”

Master the Conversation and Next Steps
Keep your interaction conversational rather than transactional. Ask intentional questions that demonstrate genuine interest in their daily operations or organizational culture, such as, “What does the onboarding process look like for entry-level analysts on your team?”

And before stepping away from the table, secure your follow-up details:

• Ask for the recruiter's name or business card.
• Note the specific job requisition numbers or portal application links they recommend.
• Write down 2–3 specific points from your conversation on a notepad immediately after walking away.

Execute Prompt Post-Fair Follow-Up
Attending the fair is only half the battle; securing an interview relies on the effectiveness of your post-event follow-up. Send personalized LinkedIn connection requests or short follow-up emails to every recruiter you met within 24 to 48 hours. Reference a specific detail from your conversation to jog their memory:

“Thank you so much for taking time to speak with me at the UMBC Career Fair today. I enjoyed learning about your team's expansion in backend development. As discussed, I've officially submitted my application on your portal for the Software Engineering Intern role, and look forward to hearing from you.”

Game On.
Put your preparation into practice, connect directly with recruiters, and step into your next opportunity at the Fall Career & Internship Fair this Wednesday at the RAC from 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM. We’ll see you there.