Winter Career Readiness Week is just around the corner, culminating with the Winter Career & Internship Expo on Thursday, January 30. This week is packed with opportunities—whether you’re seeking a job, internship, or volunteer experience—or simply exploring career paths, growing your confidence, and building meaningful connections that can shape your future.
As a business student, remember: success isn’t just about collecting business cards or perfecting your resume. It’s about creating genuine, human-to-human connections that can support your long-term growth.
That’s why we wanted to offer a tailored guide for business students to help you make the most out of the Winter Career & Internship Expo:
1. Prep Like a Pro
Career week can feel overwhelming, but you can reduce stress by prepping a few key things in advance:
- Start by adding the Career Expo schedule to your calendar so you don’t miss any important sessions.
- Prepare a list of questions you’d like to ask professionals during your interactions. For example:
- “What are some of the most exciting projects or initiatives your team is working on right now?” (Shows you’re interested in their work)
- “Are there any additional resources or tips you would recommend for someone interested in applying to your company?” (Demonstrates interest in their company and that you take the process seriously)
- “How does your company stay competitive in the current market?” (Demonstrates curiosity about industry trends)
- Keep a notebook or digital document where you can jot down key takeaways from each conversation, including recruiter names, companies you’re interested in, and any follow-up actions you need to take.
To feel more confident talking to people at the Expo, take advantage of the free tools offered by the Lundquist College of Business, like Big Interview and VMock, to perfect your Elevator Pitch, and make your list of questions.
2. Research and Reach Out
Before you even step foot in the EMU Ballroom, did you know you can already start exploring employers and their job openings on Handshake?
Visit the Handshake “Events” page to sign up for the UO Winter Career & Internship Expo 2025 and explore the full list of participating employers. Many employers are hosting virtual info sessions before the Expo, where you can get a sneak peek into the organizations that are eager to hire and open about their processes. You can see which company representatives will be attending in-person by checking the “People” section under each company’s profile.
Pro tip: Don’t forget to check your Handshake inbox. Some recruiters may have already reached out to you directly. Consider it a small win and an opportunity to start the conversation. Responding to recruiters who reach out can help you secure a one-on-one chat—an excellent way to stand out before the Expo.
3. Build Genuine Connections
As you enter the career expo, you’ll be surrounded by company booths and crowds of people in professional attire. Take a deep breath, smile with confidence, and begin engaging with those who catch your interest. Approach each conversation as an opportunity to learn and build rapport, not just a transactional exchange.
Remember to listen actively and ask insightful questions (if you prepped you list, that can take the pressure off needing to come up with questions on-the-spot!). Try not to rush through your conversations to move on to the next person—slow down and focus on making each connection count. Fewer quality conversations are more valuable than a high quantity of shallow ones.
When you show genuine interest in a recruiter or company representative, it really creates a lasting impression. They will remember you not just for your qualifications, but for the way you made them feel heard and valued!
4. Follow Up and Follow Through
Remember, the Career Expo is just the beginning—follow up with meaningful connections to keep the conversation going. Check out our previous blog post on How to Follow Up After a Networking Event.
Maximizing career week requires both preparation and flexibility. Stay open to new connections, remain calm in a busy and loud environment, and most importantly, remember that the expo is a place to start long-term relationships, not just a one-off event.
You don’t have to feel 100 percent prepared to step into the expo —just take the first step out of your comfort zone. The more you engage, the better prepared you’ll be for future opportunities.
