This event is open to all Skidmore students, including:

First-years & Sophomores exploring majors, career paths, and internship prospects.
Juniors seeking internships or preparing for post-graduate opportunities.
Seniors actively searching for full-time roles and post-grad plans.

You do not need to have it all figured out to attend—curiosity is enough!

During this event, you’ll be able to:

1. Meet employers and alumni from a range of industries
2. Learn about internships, full-time roles, fellowships, and gap-year opportunities
3. Practice introducing yourself and talking about your interests and goals
4. Build your professional network before and after graduation

- Ballston Spa National Bank

- Black Dog Designs

- Federal Bureau of Investigation

- GP Fund Solutions

- Green Chimneys

- Health Research, Inc.

- New York State Department of Civil Service - Office of Diversity and Inclusion Management

- New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) - DEC Summer Camps

- NYS Department of Taxation and Finance - Office of Human Resources Management

- NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES)

- Quaker Voluntary Service - BOS, MSP, PHI, PDX

- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

- Special Olympics New York

- St. Mary's Healthcare - Amsterdam - Healthcare

- The New England Center for Children

- Vineyard Vines Headquarters - Harbor Drive

The fair is hosted on Handshake, Skidmore’s career DEVELOPMENT CENTER HUB FOR ALL THINGS CAREER.

Through the event page on Handshake, you can:

- View the full list of participating employers and alumni

- Register for 20-minute one-on-one sessions 

- Join 30-minute group sessions to learn more about organizations, programs, and career paths

Tip: Session slots can fill quickly—register early and sign up for sessions ahead of time.

Explore Employers & Register for Sessions

1. Visit the Career & Internship Connections event page in Handshake.
2. Browse employers attending and note which align with your interests, values, and goals.
3. Prioritize your top choices and sign up for one-on-one and group sessions in advance.
4. Click “View list of registered employers” on this page to see the most up-to-date list.

As you review organizations, ask yourself:

- What kinds of roles or industries am I curious about?

- Does this organization’s mission or work interest me?

- What skills and experiences are they looking for

Polish Your Resume & Handshake Profile

A strong resume and profile help employers quickly see your potential.

- Update your Handshake profile with your major, experiences, courses, and interests.

- Make sure your resume highlights relevant coursework, campus involvement, part-time jobs, and internships.

Get feedback on your materials:

- Upload your resume to Handshake and/or
Schedule an appointment with a Career Advisor through Handshake

- Check the Career Development Center site or Handshake for current drop-in hours for quick reviews

- Attend a Career Fair Prep Workshop

Craft Your 30-Second Introduction

You’ll often start one-on-one sessions with a quick introduction. Prepare a short “elevator pitch” that includes:

1. Your name and class year
2. Your major(s)/minor(s)
3. A few relevant experiences or interests
4. What you’re curious about or seeking (internships, jobs, information, etc.)

Example:

“Hi, my name is [Your Name], and I’m a [class year] majoring in [Your Major] at Skidmore. I’ve been involved in [student club/campus job/internship] where I gained experience in [skills or tasks]. I’m really interested in exploring opportunities in [industry or role], and I’m excited to learn more about [Organization Name] and how I might contribute.”

You can adapt this for exploration (“I’m still figuring out my path, but I’m curious about…”) or active job searching (“I’m currently seeking…”).

 
Prepare Questions for Employers

Thoughtful questions show preparation and interest. You might ask:

- What kinds of internship or entry-level opportunities do you typically offer for college students?

- What skills, experiences, or coursework do you value most in candidates?

- How do early-career employees grow and develop at your organization?
What does day-to-day work look like in [role or department]?

- How would you describe your organizational culture and workplace environment?

Have a few questions ready for each employer you meet.

Check Your Tech & Set Up a Professional Space

Because the fair is virtual, your tech setup matters:

1. Make sure your Handshake account is fully set up and you know how to join sessions.
2. Test your Wi-Fi, camera, and microphone before the event.
3. Choose a quiet, well-lit space with a simple background.
4. Dress professionally (business casual is a good default).

Small details can help you feel more confident and focused during your conversations.

Follow Up After the Fair

Keep building connections after the event:

- Send a thank-you message to recruiters you met through Handshake or LinkedIn.

- Mention something specific you discussed and restate your interest in their organization or roles.

Example:

“Hi [Recruiter’s Name], thank you for speaking with me during Career & Internship Connections. I enjoyed learning more about [topic you discussed], and I’m very interested in [specific role/area] at [Organization Name]. I’d love to stay in touch and learn more about future opportunities. Thanks again for your time.”

Following up helps recruiters remember you and can open doors to future conversations.