Are you career fair-ready? Here’s how to prep like a pro

Three people stand at an event booth discussing information on a tablet, with a table displaying promotional materials and a visible “SALE” sign in the foreground, while other attendees browse nearby exhibits.
Photo by Neely Rutland.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 9, 2026) — This spring, University of Kentucky students will have the opportunity to connect with employers through a series of in-person career fairs across campus. 

Career fairs allow students to explore internships, and part- and full-time jobs, while building professional connections.

Throughout February and March students can connect with employers and explore potential career paths.

Students are also encouraged to take advantage of the range of career preparation resources available across campus.

Getting Started 

  • Career assessments help students identify interests, strengths and values to better understand which career paths may be a good fit.

  • Focus 2 Career is an online career planning tool that allows students to explore majors, assess career interests and connect academic choices to potential careers.

  • Students can meet with career advisors through Drop-In Discussions to ask quick questions, get guidance on career fair preparation and receive feedback without needing an appointment.  

  • What Can I Do With This Major? This resource provides examples of career options, job titles and industries commonly associated with each major.

Prepare for the career fair 

  • Register on Handshake and update your profile so employers can learn more about your experience and interests.

  • Resume Labs provides one-on-one support in a group setting to help students create, update or refine their resumes before meeting with employers, going to career fairs, applying for jobs and more.

  • Follow employers on Handshake and LinkedIn to explore company culture and available opportunities.

  • Professional headshot opportunities through the Stuckert Career Center allow students to update their LinkedIn and Handshake profiles with a polished, professional photo.

  • Review the employer list in advance and identify at least five organizations you plan to visit.

  • Download the Career Fair Plus app to view employer details, navigate the floor plan and receive real-time updates.

  • Bring printed resumes for each employer you plan to meet — plus a few extras just in case.

  • Plan your professional outfit, or stop by the Wildcat Wardrobe to access free professional clothing using your UKID.

  • Prepare questions to ask recruiters based on your employer research.

  • Interview prep resources help students practice common interview questions, improve confidence and learn how to effectively communicate skills and experiences.

More information about career fairs is available at go.uky.edu/careerfairs

Find more information and resources at the Stuckert Career Center

As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.