Making the Most of Recruitment & Networking Events
Recruitment and networking events provide valuable opportunities to explore career paths, learn about organizations and opportunities, build professional connections, and gain insights that can help you make informed decisions about your future.
- Review the List of Attendees: Before the event, review the list of participating organizations, employers, schools, alumni, or professionals. Take time to explore websites, social media, and other resources to learn about the individuals and organizations you would like to meet.
- Identify Your Goals: Consider what you hope to gain from attending. Are you exploring career options, learning about industries, seeking internships or jobs, researching graduate programs, or expanding your professional network? Having goals in mind will help you make the most of your time.
- Prepare Questions: Develop a list of questions that will help you gather the information most important to you. Questions might focus on career paths, organizational culture, internships, employment opportunities, graduate programs, required skills, industry trends, professional development, or advice for students entering the field.
- Be Ready to Share Your Story: Participants may ask about your interests, experiences, career goals, or what attracted you to their organization or field. Prepare a brief introduction and be ready to discuss your background, skills, and future plans.
- Dress Professionally: First impressions matter. Choose attire that is appropriate for the event and reflects your professionalism.
- Know the Event Layout: Take a few moments to review the event schedule, map, or attendee directory. Planning ahead can help you prioritize the conversations and sessions that are most important to you.
- Engage and Network: Introduce yourself, ask thoughtful questions, and actively participate in conversations. Networking is about building relationships, learning from others, and exploring opportunities. Be open to unexpected connections and conversations.
- Follow Up: Collect business cards, contact information, or LinkedIn details when appropriate. After the event, follow up with a brief thank-you message, connect professionally on LinkedIn, and review any information or materials you gathered.
- Reflect on What You Learned: After the event, take time to reflect on key insights, contacts made, opportunities discovered, and next steps you may want to pursue.
Questions? Contact the Career Development Office at 716-673-3327.
Network on the Go (Fall): As part of Activities Night, a mini job and networking fair will feature local employers, organizations, and community partners in a high-traffic area near student club and organization tables. No Suit Required! Network on the Go is designed to be informal and approachable. Professional attire is not required. Just bring your curiosity, questions, and willingness to connect. Who Should Attend? Everyone! Whether you're a first-year student just arriving on campus or a senior preparing for life after graduation, this event is for you. Start building relationships now that can support your academic and career journey for years to come.
Find Your Future (Fall): A campus-wide career exploration event that brings together employers, graduate schools, academic departments, and student support offices. BONUS - Alumni employers are invited to recruit, network, and share career advice with students as they explore what's next after Fredonia.
Health Career Fair (Fall): The Health Career Fair will connect healthcare organizations with students interested in a wide range of healthcare careers. Participating organizations will have the opportunity to showcase career pathways, discuss internships and employment opportunities, and offer interactive activities or demonstrations to help students learn more about careers in their field.
WNY Career & Internship Fair (Fall): The WNY Career & Internship Fair, hosted by the Western New York Association of College Career Centers (WNYACCC), connects students, alumni, and community members with employers for internship and job opportunities, career exploration, industry insights, and professional networking.
Job & Internship Expo (Spring): Get CONNECTED to jobs (full or part-time), internships (year-round), and future volunteer or shadowing. On-campus, Fredonia/Dunkirk, Western NY, Downstate NY & across the country! This annual spring event invites students and alumni from all class years, majors and industry areas to maximize opportunities for career and professional readiness.
Western NY Teacher Recruitment Day -TRD (Spring): One of the single largest opportunities you will have to network and interview with local, national, and international schools. Candidates MUST pre-register via the CareerEco platform and be invited to attend. Graduating seniors and graduate students, as well as alumni, are welcome. There is no fee for candidates to attend, however students must possess a teaching certificate and be able to teach by the fall start date to attend.