There is a 50 percent decline in confidence in how Americans view a college degree, according to a Gallup poll this September. Just 12 years ago, 70 percent of Americans prioritized college as very important, compared to only 35 percent now.
In fact, USA Today reported this month that two-thirds of Americans believe that a four-year college degree is “not worth the cost because people often graduate without specific job skills and with a large amount of debt to pay off.”
The class of 2026 is predicted to have the toughest job market since the start of the pandemic, according to the November survey of the National Association of Colleges and Employers. If you are in college or applying to college, how do you defy these odds? Start attending college career fairs to apply for jobs and summer internships at every opportunity.
College is no longer attending classes now and looking for a job later. Think of job fairs as a midterm exam to showcase your classroom knowledge as a ticket to apply your learning within the real world. At the beginning of second semester, create a plan to engage with college resources and optimize recruiting opportunities.
Make a calendar for the first two weeks of school to meet with professors, advisers and career counselors to get insight into how your academic interests can fit with a variety of career paths. These college resources can introduce you to top alumni that match your credentials.
Ask for tips to improve your resume and attend networking events. Being flexible by incorporating feedback can broaden your career search to give you an edge.
This October, Entrepreneur reported that 58 percent of 2025 college graduates are still looking for jobs. Joining academic clubs, practicing mock interviews and participating in networking events can build familiarity and confidence.
To prepare for job fairs, be sure to do your homework by researching the company and its mission. Ask career counseling if there are trends to emphasize. Be enthused about the position and illustrate why you are fit to hit the ground running.
When writing your resume, keep it to one page and include your LinkedIn address. Emphasize prior jobs and school projects that reinforce responsibilities that are required for the job or internship. Elaborate details on your LinkedIn profile to present additional skills and interests. Employers scan LinkedIn for keywords that match academic experiences with job responsibilities.
Bring your resume to career fairs as your introduction when talking to representatives from various companies and organizations. This interaction is like a mini-interview in making a positive first impression.
Most importantly, attending the career fair is not a random act to show up and see how it goes. Wearing business-casual attire is a safe bet to get in the mindset of an important discussion. Reviewing online resources can show dress code options to feel at ease in the networking environment.
When introducing yourself, start with an icebreaker line that is memorable. This will help you start a conversation instead of just saying hello and rushing away with pamphlets of materials. Be sure to look at the recruiters’ name tag to address them by name to create a personal connection.
Many employers report that applicants are failing to hold eye contact during interviews and have unrealistic salary expectations. Although many applicants can be qualified for a position, it is the human elements that bond people together.
Typical interview questions ask about skills to do the work and lessons learned from various experiences. For example, illustrating teamwork can describe interacting with people who have different skills, backgrounds and perspectives.
After the fair, email a personal thank you note reflecting on the meeting. Share an anecdote from the conversation and why you are interested in the position. Avoid using artificial intelligence so your note doesn’t blend with others.
Keep casting a wide net of career options, while adjusting responses from mistakes. Listen to your classmates who are also interviewing to expand your search and improve your positioning.
Building your resume to showcase job qualifications is a combination of applying academic learning to gain practical exposures. The earlier you prepare for college fairs and use your resources, the more confidence you will have with professional networking.
College is the springboard for life after college. Career fairs are a big link to secure a job.
(Margo Bartsch founded College Essay Coach, a full-service college admission business and has been an adjunct professor in business at Champlain College and at Middlebury College.)