Career Fair Guidance

Climb higher, get hired! At Kean, we believe in equipping students and alumni alike with the skills they need to be successful in their career journey while empowering them to find an internship or job to launch their careers. While we don’t provide direct job or internship placements, our Career Services team is here to support you in identifying your career goals, developing career plans and securing opportunities that fulfill you.

In working closely with students and alumni, we can help explore career options and pathways, develop career readiness skills for the 21st century, create connections with employers, and provide high quality internships and rigorous professional employment opportunities. 

Did you know? Throughout the academic year, Kean University hosts various employer engagement opportunities including multiple career fairs at both its Union and Ocean campuses, as well as several preparation sessions prior to each one. These unique events often see hundreds of employers from various different industries eagerly engaging with Kean Cougars in hopes of offering them the next opportunity in their career journeys. Please visit our CougarLink page for more information on our upcoming career fairs and preparation sessions!

While tips remember before a career fair often include bringing multiple copies of your resume, avoiding unprofessional attire and making a strong first impression by utilizing your elevator pitch, there's also things all students can do no matter their class year to make sure a career fair is an impactful experience for them.

                                                               How to Navigate Your Next Kean Career Fair 

For Freshman

• Explore and Learn: Start building your network early! Introduce yourself, ask employers about what they look for in candidates, and gather insights about internships and career paths.
• Prepare Questions: Show curiosity and initiative by asking about company cultures, potential growth opportunities, and skills to focus on during your studies. You can also ask employers for advice.  Ask them how you can prepare over the next four years to be a strong candidate for their company upon graduation. 
• Create a Resume: Start building a basic resume, even if it’s just with volunteer work, extracurriculars, or part-time jobs. Download your copy of the Kean Career Resource Guide to get started. Then, upload your new resume to VMock, the most advanced AI-driven career assistant, and make sure it's as optimized as it can be!
• Develop Confidence: Practice introducing yourself with a brief, enthusiastic pitch highlighting your major and interests.
• Follow-Up with Employers: Send a “Thank You” email to the employers that you met and are interested in! This demonstrates professionalism, reinforces your interest in their organization, and expresses your enthusiasm for future opportunities. Download your copy of the Kean Career Resource Guide for an example. 
• Keep Your Online Presence Updated: Whether it's your LinkedIn Profile or Handshake account, commit to logging in and making sure it's up-to-date with the latest information about your skills, experiences, and career interests. As employers use tools like these to find candidates and post new opportunities regularly the information you include there should match your resume.  

For Sophomores

• Research Companies: Start targeting potential internships. Research attending companies in advance, and prepare a tailored pitch.
• Refine Your Resume: Make sure your resume is polished and aligned with your career interests. Utilize your copy of the Kean Career Resource Guide to get started. Then, upload your new resume to VMock, the most advanced AI-driven career assistant, and make sure it's as optimized as it can be! Visit our office if you need last-minute resume tips or review.
• Skill Building: Ask employers what skills or experiences are valuable for their internships, so you can plan accordingly for the next year.
• Follow-Up with Employers: Send a “Thank You” email to the employers that you met and are interested in! This demonstrates professionalism, reinforces your interest in their organization, and expresses your enthusiasm for future opportunities. Download your copy of the Kean Career Resource Guide for an example. 
• Keep Your Online Presence Updated: Whether it's your LinkedIn Profile or Handshake account, commit to logging in and making sure it's up-to-date with the latest information about your skills, experiences, and career interests. As employers use tools like these to find candidates and post new opportunities regularly the information you include there should match your resume.  

For Juniors

• Focus on Internships: This is a critical year to secure internships. Approach employers with a focused pitch, emphasizing your skills and desire to gain real-world experience.
• Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter: Customize your resume and cover letter for specific job or internship applications. Use your copy of the Kean Career Resource Guide for help and then, upload your new resume to VMock, the most advanced AI-driven career assistant, and make sure it's as optimized as it can be! Visit our office if you need any additional resume tips or review.
• Follow-Up with Employers: Send a “Thank You” email to the employers that you met and are interested in! This demonstrates professionalism, reinforces your interest in their organization, and expresses your enthusiasm for future opportunities. Download your copy of the Kean Career Resource Guide for an example. 
• Keep Your Online Presence Updated: Whether it's your LinkedIn Profile or Handshake account, commit to logging in and making sure it's up-to-date with the latest information about your skills, experiences, and career interests. As employers use tools like these to find candidates and post new opportunities regularly the information you include there should match your resume.  

For Seniors

• Pursue Full-Time Opportunities: Engage companies that are offering entry-level full-time roles. Present yourself as ready to transition into the workforce with a focus on your experiences and readiness for professional challenges. 
• Polish Your Elevator Pitch: Highlight your academic and extracurricular achievements and how they align with the companies' needs. Log on to VMock, the most advanced AI-driven career assistant, to start practicing today!
• Discuss Career Goals: Ask about long-term career paths and advancement opportunities. 
• Follow-Up with Employers: Send a “Thank You” email to the employers that you met and are interested in! This demonstrates professionalism, reinforces your interest in their organization, and expresses your enthusiasm for future opportunities. Download your copy of the Kean Career Resource Guide for an example. 
• Keep Your Online Presence Updated: Whether it's your LinkedIn Profile or Handshake account, commit to logging in and making sure it's up-to-date with the latest information about your skills, experiences, and career interests. As employers use tools like these to find candidates and post new opportunities regularly the information you include there should match your resume.  

Need help figuring out what the next steps in your #CougarCareerJourney look like for you or preparing for the next career fair? Please schedule an appointment with your Career Advisor, attend our weekly drop-in hours across campus, visit us in CAS 201 or GATE 313, or email us at career@kean.edu. For alumni, please click here.