• What are your objectives?
• What results would you like to achieve?
• Who is your target audience?
• What is your timeframe?
• What factors affect the timing of your event?
• What are your financial/budgetary needs and restrictions?

• Registration (Handshake)
• Employer Outreach
• Venue/Space
• Reserve Equipment
• Parking & Transportation
• Catering
• Marketing & Promotion
• Day-of Event Logistics

Career fairs are large-scale events designed to connect students with multiple employers from various industries. With 30 or more organizations in attendance, career fairs provide students with the opportunity to explore a broad range of career paths, gather information, and potentially secure internships or full-time positions. These events require substantial planning to accommodate many organizations and students, including arrangements for large event spaces, table layouts, and crowd management.

Best For: General student body or large student groups seeking to meet diverse organizations across multiple industries.

Career expos are smaller, more targeted events that bring together fewer than 30 organizations. These expos often focus on a specific industry or field, allowing students to network with organizations in their areas of interest in a more personalized setting. This setup encourages deeper conversations and tailored advice for students interested in specific careers. The smaller scale also means these events can be held in a variety of campus spaces and offer a less crowded, more focused environment.

Best For: Academic departments or specialized student groups interested in industry-specific opportunities.

Career networking events are designed to foster connections between students and professionals in a structured but casual setting. Networking events may be about hiring, but will likely be less focused on job placement than a career fair or expo. Instead, they emphasize relationship-building, mentorship, and knowledge-sharing. These events often involve interactive components such as “speed networking” or guided discussions, which encourage meaningful conversations.

Best For: Students looking to expand their professional networks, gain industry insights, explore career paths, and learn about roles.

A career workshop series consists of multiple sessions focused on specific aspects of career development, such as resume building, interview techniques, personal branding, and industry-specific skills. Workshops are typically interactive and educational, allowing students to build practical skills that enhance their career readiness. These series may include guest speakers, hands-on activities, and resources tailored to different stages of career preparation.

Best For: Students looking to develop specific career skills and prepare comprehensively for the job market.

Career industry panels bring together professionals from a particular industry to discuss their experiences, share insights, and answer questions from students. These panels allow students to hear directly from professionals about trends, challenges, and opportunities in their field. Panel discussions are usually followed by a Q&A session or informal networking to provide students with a chance to ask specific questions and make connections.

Best For: Students who want to learn about a particular industry, gain firsthand insights from professionals, and explore career options within a specific field.

A career information session is a focused event where a specific employer or organization presents information about their company, culture, job opportunities, and application processes. These sessions are typically led by company representatives who give an overview of their organization and answer students’ questions in an open forum. Career information sessions allow students to gain in-depth insight into a particular employer and understand what it’s like to work there, helping them prepare for potential applications and interviews. Often, these events are attended by students specifically interested in learning more about the company and exploring potential roles.

Best For: Employers looking to increase brand visibility on campus and connect with students interested in their organization or industry.

A student research exhibit shows the work of students engaged in academic or professional research projects. These exhibits provide a platform for students to present their findings, methodologies, and insights through posters, presentations, or demonstrations. Student research exhibits are a unique opportunity for students to demonstrate their expertise and gain feedback from peers, faculty, and industry professionals. Exhibits often attract attendees from academia, industry, and the public, fostering interdisciplinary networking and collaboration. For students, participating in a research exhibit helps develop communication skills and gain exposure for their work.

Best For: Students and faculty interested in sharing and discussing research, promoting interdisciplinary learning, and connecting research projects with industry or community applications.