How to make the most out of a Grad school / Career / Idealist fair

We've been making our rounds at several large fairs this autumn and we've still got many others yet to go. You can see our previous blog post about where we've been and where we are going. You can also always refer back to our Events page to look up and register for upcoming events. We wanted to write a post that detailed some of the best practices for fair attendance that we've utilized and observed.

1: Do your research beforehand.

Learn what there is to know about the fair. What’s the layout? Which companies or schools will be there? Learn more about the schools you are interested in, so that when you come to our booth, you can ask more in-depth questions. Asking a standout question can set you apart from the other attendees!

2:  Make a short list of schools and companies you’re interested and prioritize.

This will seriously help you manage your time when navigating the space. You’ll know which schools and companies are there and you can make sure you have enough time to hit your top choices. If the conference provides a map, familiarize yourself with where those on your short list will be.

3: Be more interested in the informational materials than the swag.

Representatives notice if people come by to take swag, but not to take information or ask questions. If you ask good questions, take the informational brochures, and engage with the representative, you are more likely to get noticed.

4: Engage with the representatives.

Mingling with Admissions representatives is one of the major draws of an Idealist Fair. Especially if you are unable to visit our campus, this is your opportunity to meet with our team and personally introduce yourself. Be sure to share some background information about yourself, and ask any questions you may have about the application process or programs.

5: Have your contact information ready to go.

We’ve seen a number of students bring business cards, print resumes, or print labels. Labels are certainly the cheapest and most efficient option. You should include your name, email, phone number, address, and even your birthday. It’ll allow you to spend less time writing down your information and more time speaking to the representative.

6: Follow up with us.

We make an effort to reach out to all students, but it takes us some time. If you’re very interested in a school, then you should follow up with the representatives you met –it’ll really make you stand out.