By Tiffany Boggs and Mathilda Tataw, Student Media. Edited by Chelsea Xu, UL Marketing and Communications.
From September 29 – October 1, more than 5,000 George Mason University students filled Dewberry Hall in sharp professional attire and with polished résumés in hand—ready to take the next step toward their careers.
George Mason’s Career Fair, held each fall and spring semester, is the university’s largest on-campus recruiting event, connecting students with representatives from more than 100 companies and organizations. The event offers opportunities to explore internships, part-time roles, and full-time positions across a range of industries.
“These are opportunities to get right in front of the employers,” said Phillip Wilkerson, employer engagement consultant at University Career Services (UCS). “I like to tell students this is not a place where you can automatically get a job or a magic ticket. It’s a great way to build relationships, get business cards, and stay in touch.”
Wilkerson added that while the fair is about connections, success begins long before students step into Dewberry Hall. UCS offers one-on-one advising to help students refine résumés, craft cover letters, and practice introductions—transforming nerves into confidence. “Confidence comes with preparation,” he said. “The more prepared you are, the more confident you are.”
Mary Claire Kraft, employer outreach manager for UCS, expanded on that idea by highlighting the value of research and intentionality. “Number one, check Handshake, so that when students meet an employer they’re interested in, they can share one thing they know about them,” she said. “All of these employers are here to meet you—the student. There is no better expert on you than yourself.”
Iman Chaudhry, a sophomore majoring in management information systems, approached the fair with an open mindset. “I think it’s important not to limit yourself, even if you have a specific major,” she said. “There are still benefits to attending all days of the Career Fair.”
Lilliana Russell, a freshman majoring in civil and infrastructure engineering, attended her first fair eager to learn. She arrived early with a list of employers to meet and a curiosity about what her field has to offer. “I’m really just trying to scope out what the different companies in my field are and maybe score an internship,” she said.
Russell added that her nerves faded once she began speaking with recruiters. “Once I got to know everyone and saw how excited they were to talk with students, I let go of the preconceived notions about the event,” she said.
Brook Haiamr, a junior, offered simple advice for future fair attendees. “Go in with confidence, get your name out there, and show genuine enthusiasm,” she said.
Kraft closed with a final reminder: “Practice if it makes you feel comfortable,” she said. “But resist the urge to go robotic. Be authentic—they came to meet you.”
What’s next: Students can keep the momentum going at the Internship Fair on Thursday, October 23—another chance to research organizations, meet recruiters, and convert preparation into opportunity.