Nearly 1,400 students and recent graduates streamed into the Thomas & Mack Center in October, resumes in hand, ready to meet more than 200 employers with open positions in a wide variety of industries.

Of those, 267 students had taken advantage of Prepare for the Fair events, including resume reviews and advice from industry leaders on everything from elevator pitches to LinkedIn profiles. Employers who answered an anonymous survey after the fair said they were pleased with students’ professional readiness.

“This event just keeps getting better. The students we met were dressed for success and prepared to have meaningful conversations,” said one employer representative.

Taeya Foster, college relations partner with MGM Resorts International, helped review dozens of resumes the week before the fair to help students feel more at ease approaching employer booths. “Resumes are the most important component in applying for opportunities because they are essentially the key that opens the door for an interview. Helping students get one step closer to a job or internship opportunity warms my heart and I’m sure attending the prep workshops eased students’ anxiety,” she said.

The high attendance and return to in-person fairs shows promise for UNLV students and upcoming graduates. According to the National Alumni Career Mobility survey conducted with alumni 10 years post graduation, meeting face to face with employer representatives early and often in one’s undergraduate experience is one of the key drivers of future work satisfaction, engagement and career advancement.  

Another recent survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers reported that 45% of graduating seniors attended an in-person fair in the last year, with nearly half (49%) securing interviews directly from participating in the event and a third of attendees (31%) receiving a job offer.

Testimonials from students included praise for the diversity of employers at the event. “The career fair always surprises me. I discovered an interesting company that I wasn't looking for. I have attended three semesters in a row. This time I didn't think I would be there very long and was there for three hours. (It was a) great experience!” said a Howard R. Hughes College of Engineering student.

While the highest percentage of students attending the fair were seniors, 17% of the fair’s attendees were first-year students.

Karen Violanti, executive director of the First-Year Success program, said it’s critical for new first-year students and transfers to connect early and often to opportunities related to career development. “We offer and promote opportunities such as career fair, creating a Handshake account, meeting with a career specialist and connecting with peer mentors, as part of our structured, first year experience ‘menu,’” she said. 

“Each experience is designed to support new students in getting connected, aligning their goals with a career focus and gaining confidence both in life and professional pursuits,” she added. 

UNLV Career Services & Workforce Development leaders encourage faculty to help keep the momentum going by encouraging students to stay engaged with employers. 

“In between in-person events like fairs, students can continue to network, apply for positions and attend virtual sessions on Handshake,” said Eileen McGarry, executive director of Career Services. 

Students can get a jump on preparing for the spring career and internship fair by scheduling a career coaching appointment on Handshake for help with career exploration, applying for open positions on Handshake, and preparing for interviews.