Career Week & Career Fairs

Information for Students

Career Week & Career Fairs

PSU Spring Career & Internship Fair (Viking Pavilion)

Oct. 27, 2025: All Majors + Engineering & Technology Fair

Career Week at PSU

Career Week is your one-stop, resource-filled week each term to explore career paths, connect with employers, and gain tools to launch your future. We’ve taken the career events you already know and love like career fairs, networking opportunities, employer panels, and résumé reviews and packed them into one powerful week so you can get the most out of PSU’s career resources in a short, focused time.

Why it matters: Career Week is your chance to meet employers face-to-face, learn about industries, put your professional skills into practice, and discover new opportunities—all while building your confidence and network.

How you’ll know what’s happening: Each term, the University Career Center will share a full schedule of Career Week events through Handshake, social media, newsletters, and campus flyers.

What to Expect

Career Fairs for all majors (plus specialty fairs like Engineering/Tech and Accounting)
Industry Days highlighting in-demand career fields
Networking events like Career Convos
Employer-led résumé reviews and workshops
Special events from PSU colleges and departments
Fun extras like the Career Clothing Closet Fashion Show and professional headshots

No matter where you are in your career journey, Career Week will have something for you.

Career Week FAQs

1. Do I need to attend every event?
Nope! Career Week is flexible. You can attend just one event or as many as you like. Pick what fits with your schedule and goals.

2. Do I need to register in advance?
Some events require registration (e.g., Handshake registration for the Career Fair), but many are drop-in friendly. The event details will tell you how to sign up.

3. Is Career Week only for seniors? What If I’m a graduate student?
Not at all! Whether you’re a first-year exploring majors, a transfer student building connections, a senior preparing to graduate, or a graduate student looking for career guidance, Career Week has opportunities for everyone.

4. How can I prepare for Career Week?
Check the event schedule in advance, update your résumé, and practice introducing yourself. The University Career Center offers preparatory events before and during Career Week to help you feel confident.

5. How much does it cost to attend?
It’s free! All Career Week events are open to PSU students and alumni.

6. Where can I find the schedule of events for Career Week?
The full schedule will be posted on Handshake, shared in the University Career Center newsletter, and promoted on social media and around campus.

7. When is Career Week?

Fall Career Week: October 20-24, 2025
- Fall Career Fair: Monday, October 27, 2025
Winter Career Week: February 2-5, 2026
- Winter Career Fair: Monday, February 9, 2026
Spring Career Week: April 20-24, 2026
- Spring Career Fair: Thursday, April 23, 2026

Fall 2025: All Majors + Engineering & Technology Fair

Location: PSU Viking Pavilion (930 SW Hall Street)

Date: Monday, October 27, 2025

Time: 11am-3pm

Register today!

Benefits of Attending a Career Fair

Career Fairs allow job seekers to learn about job openings and network.
Employers are attending because they want to hire PSU students and alumni like you! Connect with employers to make progress in your job and internship search.
This is a great opportunity to build your network. Networking is one of the most valuable skills you can develop as a student, since you'll use it throughout your career.
It's a chance to get exposure to a variety of industries (e.g., government, nonprofit, corporate, etc.) and see which ones suit your skills and interests.
Learn about different career paths and ask questions directly of employers.
Increase your confidence and experience with approaching employers.

Making the Most of the Fair: Before, During, & After the Event

Review the list of registered employers on Handshake, and identify 3-5+ organizations that you'd like to connect with at the Fair. Learn about organizations via their LinkedIn and company webpages (e.g., About pages, lists of current job openings, mission statements, etc.).
Prepare a few questions for the employers that you plan to talk with at the Fair. This is an opportunity to ask clarifying questions about job and internship openings, among other things.
Think about how you'd like to introduce yourself to employers, making sure to prepare and rehearse your introduction or "elevator pitch." This is your chance to highlight skills and experiences that you possess that are relevant to the organization.
Bring 5-10+ copies of your résumé to the Fair.
Take notes to track key points and record the names of recruiters and hiring managers that you meet at the Fair.
Follow-up with employers after the Fair via email or on LinkedIn, thanking them for their time, reminding them of your conversation, asking clarifying questions, mentioning positions that interest you, requesting informational interviews, or simply suggesting that you'd like to stay in touch.
Make your interactions with employers count! Employers will notice a thoughtful and well-prepared candidate when they meet one.

Preparing for Fairs & Other Career Events: Support from the University Career Center

Schedule an appointment with our internship coordinator or one of our career counselors for assistance in preparing for the Fair.
Visit the University Career Center during drop-in hours for same-day support.
Attend one of our upcoming workshops to update your résumé and learn networking strategies.
Review our premade list of Career Fair questions, using what you learn to inform how you engage with employers.

Preparing for Fairs & Other Career Events: Educational Guides from Handshake

What to Wear at a Fair

Wear something that makes you feel comfortable and confident.
Try to dress "business professional" (e.g., pant suits, dress suits, skirt suits, button-up shirts, close-toed shoes, etc.) or "business casual" (e.g., slacks, khakis, button-down shirts, polo shirts, blouses, cardigans, sweaters, close-toed shoes, etc.). Noticed that there's overlap between these two styles of dress!
Don't make it too casual! If you wouldn't wear it to an interview, you shouldn't be wearing it at the Fair.
Dress for the types of industries that interest you. Not sure what that looks like? Learn about dress etiquette in different work settings by reviewing company webpages (e.g., Staff pages, About Us pages, etc.). Notice what employees are wearing, and try to mirror that style of dress at the Fair.
Don't have an outfit yet? Stop by the Career Clothing Closet at the School of Business Career Center for professional clothing, shoes, and accessories. This is a free service that's available to all PSU students (i.e., business and non-business majors)!

Questions to Ask Recruiters at Career Events

When do you typically recruit for more entry-level positions?
When should I start applying to positions, if I have a goal of working for your organization after I graduate?
Do you like to see academic projects and coursework on résumés when applicants don't have related work experience?
Is there a trajectory for professional advancement within your organization?
How does your organization support the growth and upskilling of its employees?
How can I find out the name of the recruiter for a specific position? I'd like to address my materials to them directly.
How many interviews are common for a typical hire?
Is there a technical component to your interview process?
What's one of your favorite questions to ask during interviews?

Questions to Ask Hiring Managers at Career Events

What has your career path looked like so far?
How did you begin your career with this organization?
How long did it take for you to get the job you have now?
Did you know that this is what you wanted to do when you started your career?
What's something that you wish you knew before you started working here?
Can you talk me through a typical day in your position?
How would you describe the culture of this organization?
How would you describe the culture of your department?
How often are you working within a team versus completing projects independently?

Fall Fair: List of Employers

University Career Center | 342 FMH
1855 SW Broadway | M-F, 9am-5pm
(503) 725-4613 | careers@pdx.edu

University Career Center on Social Media