Career fairs for students and graduates: How to successfully enter the professional world

The transition from university to your first job can often feel daunting, and sitting alone in front of your laptop writing applications and clicking through job portals can make it seem even harder.

But what if you just go out and take a chance? What if you meet people face to face instead of just sending emails? That's exactly what career fairs are for — so you can strike up conversations, present yourself, and discover your next career move.

Why career fairs are more than just information stands

Career fairs are not boring promotional events. They are valuable opportunities where you can gain real insights into companies, various industries, and jobs that you may not even have considered before.

You can talk to employees in person, ask questions, find out what it's like to get started, and whether you would fit in there. No filters, no forms, just real conversations and exchanges on an equal footing.

Preparation is not a must, but it is a big advantage.

You don't have to show up with a perfect resume, but if you clarify a few things beforehand and inform yourself in advance, you'll get much more out of your visit to the fair.

Ask yourself: Which companies interest me? What questions do I want to ask? What do I want to know? What can I say about myself? What are my expectations and wishes regarding employers?

If you want, you can take your CV with you and have it checked on site, or you can use tools such as the CV Creator from talendo to position yourself well.

Take advantage of conversations, not just giveaways

Sure, a pen is nice, but a good conversation will get you much further. Try to talk to the people there and don't just take the brochures and goodies with you.

Don't just ask, “What do you offer?” Instead, ask, “What advice would you give to someone who is just starting out in their career?” Or, “What made it easier for you to get started back then?”

This will lead to an exciting exchange that you can really benefit from.

Let yourself be surprised

Sometimes you find jobs where you least expect them. Maybe you're suited to an industry you've never considered before. Maybe you'll discover a field that interests you but has a completely different name.

So always keep an open mind and visit stands that aren't on your list. Often, the best conversations happen where you least expect them.

It's not over after the fair

Gathering information and having good conversations is just the beginning. It is not the goal.

After the fair, send a short message or submit an application right away, e.g., “Thank you for the conversation! I took away that...” Or: “I would like to follow up on the internship opportunity you mentioned.”

This will help you stay in their memory and show that you are genuinely interested and committed.

Extra tip: Take advantage of talendo events

talendo.ch is one of Switzerland's largest career platforms—specifically for students and graduates. In addition to its job platform, talendo also regularly organizes events and fairs where you can get in direct contact with companies.

Whether in Zurich, Bern, Basel, or Lausanne, these events bring top employers and universities together in one place, and the whole thing is not only informative, but also personal and uncomplicated.

At talendo's trade fairs, you can expect benefits such as:

✨ Direct contact with companies and recruiters

✨ Free CV check by professionals

✨ Free application photos on site

✨ Workshops, lectures, and lots of information

✨ Free admission

✨ Direct access to job offers

Here are your next opportunities:

- IT-Day: 🗓️ 16 october 2025, 📍 SIX ConventionPoint Zürich, 🌐 www.itday.ch

- Absolvierenden-Messe Schweiz: 🗓️ 30 october 2025, 📍 Halle 550, Zürich-Oerlikon, 🌐 www.amschweiz.ch

- Master-Messe: 🗓️ 30 october 2025, 📍 Halle 550, Zürich-Oerlikon, 🌐 www.mastermesse.ch

- Forum Geneva: 🗓️ 4 november 2025, 📍 HEAD Le Cube Genève, 🌐 www.forumgeneva.ch

- Absolvierenden-Messe Basel: 🗓️ 5 november 2025, 📍 Halle 4.1, Congress Center Messe Basel, 🌐 www.ambasel.ch

- Women's Contact-Day: 🗓️ 24 november 2025, 📍 X-TRA Zürich, 🌐 www.womenscontactday.ch

Seize the opportunity now, register, and secure your chance to discover your next career steps on site!