Career fairs can feel equal parts exciting and overwhelming—especially when you’re juggling classes, research, and everything else. The good news? A little preparation goes a long way. Whether you’re actively job hunting or just exploring options, these tips can help you walk in confident and walk out with real connections.

1. Do a Little Homework (You Don’t Need to Cram): Before the fair, scan the list of attending organizations and flag a handful you’re genuinely interested in. Take 10–15 minutes to look at their mission, recent projects, or job postings—especially roles related to epidemiology, data analysis, program evaluation, or applied research. You don’t need to know everything; you just want enough context to ask thoughtful questions and avoid “So… what do you do?” moments.
2. Prep a Flexible Elevator Pitch: You don’t need a memorized script, but it helps to have a short introduction ready. This should include who you are (program, year), what you’re interested in (skills, populations, topic areas), and what you’re hoping to learn or find. Think of it as a starting point, not a performance. Natural beats perfect every time.
3. Dress the Part—Comfortably: Aim for professional or business-casual attire that makes you feel confident and comfortable standing and walking. Career fairs are not the time to break in new shoes. When in doubt, slightly more polished is better than too casual.
4. Bring the Basics (and Then Some): At minimum, have copies of your résumé, a notebook or notes app for quick reminders, and s folder or bag to keep materials organized. If you have business cards or a QR code linking to your LinkedIn or portfolio, great—but not required.
5. Ask Questions That Actually Help You: Career fairs are as much about information-gathering as they are about networking. Good questions might include: What skills or experiences are most valuable for early-career epidemiologists in your organization? What does a typical career path look like for someone starting in this role?How do students or recent grads usually get their foot in the door?
6. Take Notes While Convos are Fresh: After each conversation, jot down a quick note: who you spoke with, what you discussed, and anything that stood out. This will be invaluable later—especially if you plan to follow up or apply for a position.
7. Follow Up (Yes, it Matters): If you had a meaningful conversation, send a brief follow-up email or LinkedIn message within a few days. Thank them for their time, reference something specific you discussed, and—if appropriate—ask about next steps or opportunities to stay in touch. Short, sincere, and professional is the goal.
8. Redefine Success: Not every career fair leads directly to a job or internship—and that’s okay. Success might look like learning about a career path you hadn’t considered, practicing how you talk about your interests and skills, or making one or two solid connections for the future All of that counts.

Career fairs are a skill, not a test—you get better every time you go. Show up curious, be yourself, and remember that everyone on the other side of the table started somewhere too.