When does student registration open on Handshake? January 5, 2026

Do I need to register? It is recommended you register, but registration in advance is not required.

Should I go to both sessions? Sessions are open to all Cornell students and we recommend a strategy to plan your time targeting the companies/topics you are most interested in.

Which employers are coming and when? Registering early will keep you informed of employer attendees, events, and related jobs/internships. Look at each day in Handshake for the full lists. Updated often!

How will the employers be arranged at each fair? We will upload a map closer to the fair. We highly recommend you download the Handshake App to help you navigate the fairs. Download for Apple iOS or Android.

What are the employer booth QR codes for? At each employer booth you will see a QR code. Scan it to “check in” at the booth. This lets the employer know you are interested and will help you keep a record of who you visited. You can see this list by logging into Handshake. This is especially helpful if you are interested in an employer but won’t have a chance to talk to them.

What if I don’t have time to meet all the employers I’m interested in? Scan the QR code at their booth to check in and show your interest.

Why are some employers wearing a red “C” pin? These recruiters are Cornell alumni!

Are there any events to help prepare for the fair? Yes

Know Before You Go: Employer Panel| March 2 | 5 PM – 6 PM | Virtual

Hear directly from recruiters and industry professionals who will be attending the fairs as they share what they look for in candidates, how to make a great first impression, and the best ways to follow up after the fair.

If you want to maximize your time at the fair, it is a great idea to prep ahead of time and have a strategy. We have an entire page dedicated to Preparing for a Career Fair and a Toolkit module containing in-depth information. There’s even a webinar recording on Preparing for a Fair.

What if I didn’t have time to research an employer ahead of time, can I still approach them? See how much you can research while waiting in line but yes, you can still connect with the employer to learn more about their company and opportunities.

Can I get individual support before the fairs? You can make an appointment with a career advisor to discuss your strategy or practice your elevator pitch.

What questions should I ask employers? There is no one prescribed list of questions to ask (how boring would that be!). To prepare your list, we recommend you look at these Toolkit pages and develop some questions that are relevant and meaningful to you: Develop your elevator pitch, What should I learn about the employer and job?, How do I interact with recruiters?, and What questions should I ask? 

What should I wear? The dress is business casual.

What should I bring? Bring your Cornell ID card (you’ll need it to swipe in), copies of your resume, a padfolio or folder, and a notepad and pen. Backpacks are strongly discouraged and MUST be left at the bag drop area. Cornell is not responsible for your items.

Do I need printed resumes for the career fair? Printed resumes are not required but they can be very helpful to have available while talking to employers. Use the CU Print Printer Locations map to find all CU Print-enabled printers. Alternatively, you can use the printer available at the advising table to print a small number of copies.

Employer booths will have QR codes for digital check-in. When you scan one, they’ll see your Handshake profile and any resume you’ve uploaded there. To get ready: Update your Handshake profile and upload your latest resume to Handshake

Will there be career advising support during the fair? Yes, there will be career advisors available at an advising table at each fair if you’d like to practice your introduction or ask questions.

Where are the restrooms? Directional signage to restrooms will be located throughout Barton Hall.
Women’s: Inside Barton Hall.
Men’s: Inside Barton Hall.
Gender-Neutral: When in Barton Hall, the closest gender-neutral restrooms are in Teagle Hall near the 138 Multipurpose Room. Accessibility at Cornell University, Accessible and All Gender Restrooms

How do I make the most of the fair as a first year student? It may be difficult to find employers ready to hire first years for internships, however, there are many reasons to visit the fair. It is a great way to explore careers and discover new companies and roles. At the fair you can network with employers and learn what they are looking for in a future application. It’s a lower pressure way to familiarize yourself with what to expect in future career fairs.

How do I make the most of the fair as a masters or PhD student? Before the fair you can use the “School Year” filters within the Handshake event to know in advance which employers are looking for graduate students, add other filters like “Industry” and plan your day at the fair.As a graduate student, Career Fair Days can help you strategically connect with employers in your field, share your advanced expertise, and uncover opportunities that align with your academic and professional goals.

How can international students determine whether a company is open to CPT/OPT/AT or work visa sponsorship? Before the fair you can use the filters within the Handshake event to review the employer list and company job postings for companies that offer sponsorship and/or accept CPT/OPT. International-friendly companies will have a globe sticker posted at their booth. International students are welcome to speak with any company about job opportunities, CPT/OPT/AT, and sponsorship.

How can I bring up my visa status with an employer? Students can bring up their visa status by saying something like: “My student visa allows me to work temporarily without employer sponsorship. Does your company consider international student applicants?”

Do companies hiring international students do so for every role? Companies vary in their approach to hiring and sponsoring international students. Students can confirm with a company representative whether relevant roles are available for CPT/OPT/AT or sponsorship.

Will companies be recruiting for international offices? Some companies attending Cornell Career Fair Days have international offices. Check with the company representative for more information.

Can exchange students participate in the career fair? Exchange students are enrolled temporarily at Cornell and will receive their degree from a non-U.S. institution. Exchange students are welcome to participate in Career Fair Days but will likely require employer sponsorship.