Career fairs – are they really worth it?

Career fairs – are they really worth it?

As a student, you’ve probably asked yourself what you actually do at a career fair. Often it goes like this: you show up, look around, pick up a bit of information, and go home again. That’s perfectly fine. But a career fair can be much more than that.

For many people, a fair is their first point of contact with a company. And that’s exactly the big advantage: without pressure and without a formal job interview, you can find out in conversation what a company is about, how it works, and what entry-level and job opportunities are available. Often you realize that a company is much broader than you might expect from job ads.

More than a point of contact

Career fairs are ideal for asking questions with no strings attached and getting a real impression. You talk to people who work there, hear stories from everyday working life, and get answers you won’t find online. That helps a lot when it comes to finding direction and making decisions.

Good preparation makes the difference

Everything doesn’t have to be perfectly planned, but a bit of preparation is worth it. Before the fair, think about which companies interest you and briefly look into their fields of work. If there are specific roles or areas that sound exciting, it’s worth taking a closer look.

It also helps to prepare a few questions, for example about onboarding, day-to-day work, or development opportunities. Your outfit should be neat and appropriate, without overdoing it.

Simple conversation starters often work best: “How did you get into your job?” or “What do you like most about your work?” The key is to be friendly, listen well, and not just stop by for the freebies. A quick thank-you at the end of the conversation will be remembered.

After the fair comes the next step

After the fair, it’s worth taking a moment to reflect. Think about which companies you visited and where the conversations felt positive. Note down the names of the people you spoke with and briefly what you talked about.

If it feels like a good fit, you can send a short thank-you message and check whether there are suitable openings. Often, this is exactly the right moment to start the application process.

Conclusion: Why a fair is worth visiting

Career fairs aren’t a must, but a real opportunity to learn more about potential employers. If you’re open and talk to people, you’ll almost always take away more than just a tote bag.

You can find all information and job opportunities at Siemens here:
https://www.siemens.com/ch/de/unternehmen/career/students-graduates.html

We look forward to meeting you in person at the next career fair.