Minnesota Private Colleges’ Job & Internship Fair is designed to bring employers and students together in a way that allows students the opportunity to explore many different work and internship opportunities, and employers a cost-effective means of meeting highly talented students from Minnesota’s private colleges.
The fair includes recruiter representatives from over 300+ organizations from business, nonprofit, government (city, state, occasionally federal), public service, science & technology, healthcare, and more. The individual organizations each have a booth in the Convention Center on day one of the fair, and students can choose with whom they’d like to make contact.
- Advanced registration via Handshake is required.
- The fair is open to sophomores, juniors and seniors only.
- It is the student’s responsibility to notify professors as early as possible about an expected absence from a class for the fair. It is at instructors’ individual discretion to determine how such absences will be handled.
Thursday, February 22, 2024
9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. (attend anytime)
275+ Employers Expected.
Transportation provided. (See below for time.)
PREP SESSIONS
(Required to Attend the Fair):
Wednesday, February 14 | 4-4:45pm | Tomson 210
Thursday, February 15 | 11:30am-12:15pm | Virtual
Thursday, February 15 | 5:30-6:15pm | Tomson 210
Monday, February 19 | 5-5:45pm | Virtual
Tuesday, February 20 | 4-4:45pm | Tomson 210
Employers
Over 275+ employers from many different career areas attend the in-person fair and around 60-100 employers are expected to attend the virtual fair. It is highly recommended that you explore employers registered for the fair and create a plan for your time at the fair. Note: Employers are registering all the time – please check back often. Employers registrations for the fair is usually complete by early February.
Employers are registering for the job fair all the time, check back to the list regularly! Most employers are registered and visible to you by early February.
Special Note for International Students:
You can identify employers who are open to international student candidates with OPT/CPT and/or seeking work visa sponsorship by using the filters “Hires Under OPT/CPT” or “Sponsors Works Visas”.
Is the fair worth it for international students?
It depends. It is definitely a benefit to attend the fair and connect with employers in-person. Employers do prioritize candidates with whom they have met. However, it is important to evaluate the employers registered for the fair to determine if they hire under OPT/CPT or are willing to sponsor. Most employers are usually registered by the first week of February and so this is a good time to review which employers you should meet with.
- For juniors seeking an internship, the fair is likely a good opportunity to connect with employers.
- For sophomores, there are fewer opportunities in general, so it depends on the employers who register in a given year.
- For seniors seeking jobs, the fair may not be a great fit for you. Again, it can depend on the type of employers registered for the fair so it is a good idea to check in early to mid-February. Employers who sponsor a work visa are rare at this event.
Preparation
The following steps are crucial to ensure you have a successful experience at the fair. Piper Center coaches will be present at the fair to support you on the day of the event.
1. resume review
All students who plan to participate in the fair, should have their resumes reviewed by a peer advisor or a coach in the Piper Center. Resume reviews are available on a drop-in basis in the Piper Center or through the virtual Resume Review Program. Need support getting started? Visit our: Resume How-To Guide.
2. Attend a prep session
To ensure St. Olaf is well-represented in front of the region’s major employers, you should attend ONE of the following prep sessions:
PREP SESSIONS
(Required to Attend the Fair):
Wednesday, February 14 | 4-4:45pm | Tomson 210
Thursday, February 15 | 11:30am-12:15pm | Virtual
Thursday, February 15 | 5:30-6:15pm | Tomson 210
Monday, February 19 | 5-5:45pm | Virtual
Tuesday, February 20 | 4-4:45pm | Tomson 210
2023 Job and Internship Fair Prep Session Recording
Ole Biz | Network and connect to alumni working in the world of business.
Tuesday, February 13, 2024 | 5:15 – 7:30 p.m. | Wells Fargo, Minneapolis
- Transportation provided.
- For more information and to register – see HANDSHAKE
5. review employers & MAke a plan
Review the employers registered for the fair, determine which are of interest, and develop a list to bring with you. The in-person fair is quite large and will be difficult to navigate if you do not have a plan. You may wish to visit the booths of employers who are lower in priority to get warmed up and build confidence. You are also welcome to contact employers in advance!
6. WHAT TO WEAR
Professional Dress is the standard for career fairs (virtual and in-person). This keeps the focus on YOU and helps you present as your best professional self. This can also help you feel more confident and ready for professional engagement with employers. Try on your outfit in advance!
The way we dress is often a key part of our identity and an outward reflection of our culture and values. For some, a more prescribed (i.e. “professional” style of dress) may seem challenging, uncomfortable, and even offensive. If needed, Piper Center coaches are available to provide one-on-one guidance on dress standards and how they intersect with your personal values and professional expectations.
Transportation (In-Person Fair)
Bus transportation is available to and from campus and will run at the following times:
- Departure Options: 8:15 or 10:00am | Buntrock Commons Turnaround (Lower Entrance)
- Return Options: 11:30 or 1:45pm | Outside Convention Center (Main Entrance)
Attendance is not taken so please be on time to ensure you don’t miss the bus! Students who plan to drive on their own do not need to notify the Piper Center.
Want to know if the Job & Internship Fair is right for you?
This fair is appropriate for a wide range of students seeking opportunities in the following sectors: business, nonprofit, government (city, state, occasionally federal), public service, science & technology, healthcare, education, and more. The amount of opportunity in each area can vary from year to year, so it’s always encourage that students review the employers ahead of time. Keep checking back often as employers continue to register right up to the fair!
You can browse employers and opportunities in Handshake prior to fair to help you determine if the fair is a good fit for your interests. (Direct links are above.) You are welcome to schedule an appointment with any coach in the Piper Center to discuss the fair. You are also welcome to stop by at any time and meet with a Peer Advisor in the Piper Center.