With the job market tightening and employers are more reluctant than ever about hiring new graduates, career fairs are critical bridges between academic preparation and professional success. Yet student attendance often hinges on faculty support – here’s why your advocacy matters:
1. Career Fairs Counteract Systemic Inequities
First-generation and underrepresented students face unique barriers:
- Imposter syndrome affects 40%+ of first-gen attendees, by engaging with employers students increase comfort levels by 58%
- Networking gaps persist, as 72% of low-income students lack professional connections compared to peers 6
Faculty who normalize fair participation help level the playing field.
2. The ROI of Faculty Advocacy
When you encourage attendance and students attend the fair, we see:
- 73% of students report higher career clarity
- 2.5x increase in internship conversions for engaged majors
Action Steps for Maximum Impact
- Include the PPT slide below in your lecture to help market the fair
- Talk about the importance of networking with employers while in school
- Consider offering an excused absence for students who attend the fair (Strommen can provide a list of students who check in at the fair)
