The season of “on-campus” recruiting will soon begin for Fall 2021! Starting on August 30 through November 19, you can expect to see events and interviews posted in Handshake from employers that recruit through Duke. Throughout the fall season expect information sessions, coffee chats, and events will continue to be added to Handshake. Here are the larger upcoming events:
- Virtual TechConnect – September 22
- Virtual Fall Career Fair – September 23
- Diversity Reverse Fair – October
Non-campus upcoming events:
- North Carolina State Engineering Career Fair (virtual) – September 14/15
- NC Master’s & Doctoral Virtual Fair – November 4
Through “on-campus” recruiting you will gain exposure to employers as you engage with them to learn more about the organization and possible opportunities. ⭐Bonus: You also gain practice in telling your story to employers and asking questions that help you connect and learn. Students like you gain exposure to organizations, and organizations gain exposure to students like you!
While “on-campus” recruiting might be the start of your relationship with an organization, it is just one piece of your multi-faceted internship/job search strategy. In the last several years, Engineering Master’s graduates have reported that most of their full-time roles were found through networking and job search websites. So, gain exposure through campus recruiting and also develop your own unique search plan.
Attending upcoming “on-campus” recruiting events of interest will help you grow your knowledge of fields, organizations, and roles. If there is an employer recruiting through Duke that is on your target list, show up to the session as employers often track who participates during “on-campus” events. Each event is unique, so read the specifics in the posting and prepare accordingly. Here are a couple of questions to ask yourself as you prepare:
- What is your goal for the opportunity? Is it achievable/realistic? Your goal could be to ask a question during the event to learn. It could be showing up! Identify a goal that is in your control, this allows you to celebrate the win after attending the event!
- What information do you need to ask a thoughtful question? Research the organization to be knowledgable when chatting with others.
- What information and impact stories do you want to share with the employer about you and your impact? Read over the rule of three when introducing yourself over chat, and adapt for your upcoming online or in-person employer events.
Follow-up to grow the connection! Did you have an awesome conversation? Are you more interested in that organization or role? If so, develop a follow-up plan to reach out to the individual(s) you chatted with during the event. The follow-up is a key part of the search, that we often forget. Use your calendar to schedule follow-up messages.
“On-campus” recruiting will start on August 30, but keep in mind it is just one piece of the full internship/job searching puzzle. Here are additional opportunities through associations and communities for Engineering Master’s Students to grow connections. As you work on developing your full search plan, check in with a career coach.
Questions about recruiting policies? Check out the Duke University recruiting policies for students.
