Connect With Employers

Make a career connection

No matter where you are in the job-seeking journey, the Walter Center is here to give you a great taste of what’s out there for a liberal arts student like you. The Walter Center hosts several employer events and career fairs each semester, allowing you to immerse yourself in career exploration and:

Investigate careers and fields that fit your interests
Meet representatives from organizations that inspire you
Increase your chances of interviewing with an employer
Get on the radar of top recruiters
Grow your network and build meaningful relationships

Be sure to be prepared

Attending one of our events? Don’t just show up—show up ready to wow them! If you want to put your best foot forward, it’s best to do a little homework first:

Be sure your resume is updated and ready to be shared with potential employers. If you need a little help putting the polish on your application materials, stop by the Career Studio for a little resume TLC.

Visit the Career Studio

Meet with one of our career coaches to help prioritize your goals, investigate potential employers, and frame your mindset going into a career fair or employer event.

Find a career coach

Having the Handshake app downloaded prior to events can speed up the checkin process and allow you to see which employers will be present.

Download Handshake app

Know what you’re going to ask (and what you’re going to say)—it shows the employer you’re serious about your job search.

Questions to ask about internships:

What experiences might I have as an intern in your organization?
Do you offer both paid internships and internships for academic credit?
Do many of your interns become full-time employees after their internship?
What is your favorite part about working for [name of organization]?

Questions to ask about jobs:

What skills do you look for in potential candidates?
What type of previous work experiences do you look for in candidates?
What’s the best way to apply, and how long does the process usually take?
Will you be on campus to interview?

Questions recruiters may ask you:

When are you available to begin working?
Are you interested in full-time or internship opportunities?
What kind of position are you looking for?
Which geographic areas are you interested in?
Why did you stop by our table today?
May I have a copy of your resume?

Don’t ask what positions the employers have; tell them what you’re seeking. The best way to do this is with a prepared “pitch” or elevator speech, a 10- to 15-second introduction that includes:

Who you are (your major, your interests)
What you offer (skills, experience)
What you’re looking for (a good opportunity to show tailored interest in the company)
A good follow-up question

Example:
Hi, I’m Bob Marks. I’m a junior at IU majoring in apparel merchandising. I did an internship last summer with a designer in New York and that really piqued my interest in designing clothes for customers with disabilities. I’m hoping to complete another internship in a related area this summer. I know your company recently developed a line of activewear for customers with disabilities. How did this innovative line come about?