Expo Header Image

To better connect you with employers, we will be hosting TWO Expo this fall, an in-person Expo on Wednesday, September 14, and a virtual expo on Tuesday, September 20.  The Expo will be accessible to all Rice majors, MBAs, and current and former students seeking a wide range of opportunities. Even if you are not currently seeking opportunities, Expo is a great way to meet recruiters and prepare yourself for the job and internship search. We encourage you to check out both fairs this semester as you do not want to miss this chance to network with a variety of employers hiring for internships and full-time opportunities at the largest recruiting events of the year!

While the Expo has many unique opportunities, not every industry recruits in this way or on this timeline. The CCD can provide you with resources to help you connect with employers in every industry, regardless of major and career interest! Make an appointment with a career counselor or email us at ccd@rice.edu  -- we look forward to working with you!

Please review the information below to familiarize yourself with the different formats for an in-person vs. virtual career fair and how to best prepare: 

 

Prepare for the Career and Internship Expo (in-person) 

 

September 14: 10am to 3pm

 

This event will be held in Tudor Fieldhouse and it’s a great opportunity to chat with employers and alumni! The purpose of the Expo is to enhance your understanding of potential opportunities and to build professional relationships with employers. You will want to use your time at the Expo to make a great first impression, share information about your skills/career interests, and ask the employer questions. Click here to register. 

 

If interested in participating in the resume book, you need to “Join Event” to opt-in for resume submission for both Expo events. 

 

Here are some general tips and resources to help you prepare and stand out:

 

Handshake Profile

  • Ensure your Handshake profile is current, complete, and public to recruiters -- they may message you through Handshake
  • Upload an updated, public resume to your account -- your resume cannot be sent to employers without adding it to your account 
  • Follow companies of interest in Handshake to be alerted of additional opportunities and virtual sessions

Owl Mentor Nest

If you would like additional help practicing your elevator pitch, a brief resume review, or any other questions regarding networking, feel free to visit the Owl Mentor Nest area during the Expo and connect with a volunteer or CCD Career Counselor. 

If disability accommodations (e.g., communication access, alternate formats) are needed to participate fully in this event, please contact Ann McAdam Griffin, amg@rice.edu.

 

Prepare for the Virtual Career and Internship Expo

 

September 20: 10am to 3pm

Unlike an in-person expo, you MUST REGISTER FOR THE VIRTUAL EXPO AHEAD OF TIME TO PARTICIPATE!

Click here to join the fair and browse 1:1 and group meetings with employers, across all industries. You can even create your own personalized schedule of events for day-of expo planning! Here's a great workshop recording on the Virtual Career Fair to help!

We know virtual fairs are still new territory, so you might be unsure how to prepare. Having a public, updated, and accurate Handshake profile is more important than ever. In fact, there may be qualifications (major, graduation year, etc.) for some 1:1 meetings with employers. So make sure to update your profile with your most accurate graduation year, major(s), and public resume. We also recommend adding a professional photo to your profile. Google Chrome and Firefox are the preferred browsers for Handshake technology.

Owl Mentor Nest

If you have technical issues, questions before talking to employers, or want to practice your pitch before a 1:1 session, we will have an ongoing Zoom during Expo from 10am to 3pm. The Owl Mentor Nest career advisors will be ready to speak with you via this Zoom link:

Join Zoom Meeting

https://riceuniversity.zoom.us/j/98446439259?pwd=TDFDeFVzU2VndXpuZnB1SlNodi9Pdz09

Meeting ID: 984 4643 9259

Passcode: 299917

Here are some additional resources to help you prepare:

Here are some general tips to help you stand out:

  • Handshake Profile
    • Ensure your Handshake profile is current, complete, and public to recruiters -- they may message you through Handshake
    • Upload an updated, public resume to your account -- your resume cannot be sent to employers without adding it to your account 
    • Follow companies of interest in Handshake to be alerted of additional opportunities and virtual sessions
  • Information Sessions
    • These virtual group sessions are 30 minutes, and have a capacity for 50 students
    • Arrive early to ensure your spot
    • You will be muted upon entrance, but keep in mind professional etiquette if the host allows questions (camera on)
    • Follow up with recruiters after the session on Handshake or LinkedIn
  • 1:1 sessions
    • You can screenshare your resume or portfolio
    • These 10 minute meetings with recruiters have qualifications based on the position
    • 1:1 sessions cannot be repeated
    • Dress to impress (business attire)
    • Be prepared to ask and answer questions
    • Utilize your 30 second commercial
    • Follow up with recruiters after the session on Handshake or LinkedIn

If you’re looking for more personal guidance on navigating a virtual career search, we are here for you! The CCD team is available to help you before, during, and after the fair. Don’t hesitate to email us any questions (ccd@rice.edu) or schedule an appointment with a career advisor.

 

Troubleshooting

If you are experiencing problems during the Expo, check to see if:

  • You are registered for the Expo -- if you didn't register, you likely won't be able to join sessions
  • Your pop-ups are enabled -- you cannot join 1:1s or Group Sessions via video if your pop-ups are blocked.
  • You are using Google Chrome or Firefox -- Safari may not function optimally using Handshake
  • You are on time -- if you're late to a session, you might be unable to join, depending on how many attendees are already in the session
  • Your audio input is through your computer speakers or headphones, depending on what you're using -- you can change this in your computer settings >> audio
  • Your audio output is through your computer microphone  -- you can change this in your computer settings >> audio
  • You're attending the right session -- 1:1 sessions are different than group sessions. Refer to your schedule in Handshake to keep times and companies straight.

If your issue is not listed, contact us ccd@rice.edu or 713-348-4055 for day-of troubleshooting