Cornell Career Fair Days are quickly approaching! From September 16-18, these exciting recruitment events allow students to meet representatives from over 150 companies and explore job and internship opportunities. Register for Cornell Career Fair Days to receive critical updates and check out the list of employers attending.
The International Student Fair Experience
For international students, an American-style career fair can be unfamiliar, and it can be hard to determine which companies are willing to accept temporary work authorization (e.g., CPT and OPT) or sponsor international talent. To make this easier, the Cornell Career Network will confirm international student hiring policies with each company and display globe stickers at each international-friendly employer’s booth. A complete list of participating companies open to temporary work authorization will also be available at the advising table.
Bringing Up Work Authorization with Employers
During the fair, you will have 3- to 5-minute conversations with company representatives. Because of the limited discussion time, you may choose to bring up sponsorship and work authorization later in the recruitment process. If you choose to bring up work authorization, try keeping it simple:
- “My student visa allows me to do internships without employer sponsorship. Does your company consider applicants with temporary work authorization?”
- “My student visa allows me to work up to 1 yr [or 3 yrs for qualifying STEM majors] after graduation. Does your company consider applicants with temporary work authorization?”
What Do Recruiters Prefer?
When asked whether international students should bring up their status at a career fair, recruiters participating in a National Career Development Association panel on international student hiring had different preferences. However, all were interested in learning about candidates’ skills, background, career goals, and what attracted the candidate to their company.
Rather than spending the entire 3 to 5 minutes focusing on sponsorship policies, we encourage you to prioritize relevant companies displaying globe stickers or listed at the advising table. Try to focus your conversation on demonstrating:
- A sincere interest in and understanding of the company. Remember to research companies before the fair and pinpoint connections between their work and your interests and background.
- A strong professional narrative. Remember to practice your elevator pitch and show recruiters why your skills, training, and experience make you a good candidate.
Additional Resources to Prepare for Cornell Career Fair Days
- Review the Career Development Toolkit: Fairs module.
- Attend a career fair workshop. The International Student Career Fair Prep Event will be held September 8th from 6-7pm.
- Follow the Six Steps to Building Career Fair Confidence.
