March 20, 2024
Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub (Downtown)
4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
The Small Business and Startup Fair is a university-wide recruitment fair for students who are seeking unique employment opportunities within a small business or startup environment. The fair, which is open to all students of academic year or major, will feature employers who are seeking candidates for full-time and internship positions.
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Time Event 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Organization check-in and set-up 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Career fair open to students 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Networking Reception (cohosted by the Nittany Entrepreneur Society)
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Employer Guide
This employer guide is designed to support potential and current registered companies to make the most out of participating in the SBSU career fair. Whether you are a seasoned recruiter or a first-time participant, this guide is packed with valuable insights and practical tips to ensure your company stands out, engages effectively with students and alumni, and achieves your recruitment goals.
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What To Expect:
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Define your objectives for participating and your desire student target groups (major/academic level/etc.)
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Register before the registration deadline
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Consider the pre-event brand marketing packages for your small business to be showcased to anticipated student attendees
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Look out for outreach emails from the SBSU fair coordinator regarding confirmed logistics
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Consider if there are any technological tools or features that can enhance your presence at the career fair
How to Prepare:
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Ensure desired shipments are sent to the University Park Career Services in a timely manner
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Gather tabling materials for your assigned reps: tablecloth, flyers, giveaways, business cards, QR codes, tabling script, banners, other branding materials
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If you have a sponsor package, send your company's logo and description to the Event Coordinator.
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Have printed or digital copies of open positions and/job opportunities
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What to Expect:
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Representatives with most likely be on their feet throughout the tabling session of the career fair
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Post-career fair activities: Networking Reception with students and alumni (cohosted by the Nittany Entrepreneurial Society)
How to Prepare:
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Representatives must check into the event an hour before the event start time.
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Encourage your small business representatives to wear comfortable footwear
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Encourage your small business representatives to consistently check the State College weather forecast
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Encourage your small business representatives to bring snacks to hold them until Hors D’oeuvres are served at the networking reception
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Have a sign sheet to collect potential candidates’ contact information for follow-up after the event
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What to Expect:
- An employer survey will be emailed to all confirmed representatives to complete
How to Prepare:
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Representatives must pack up their station and check out after the end of the event.
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Follow up with potential student candidates
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Sightsee State College
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Complete your SBSU career fair feedback survey
FAQs regarding registering for the Small Business and Startup Fair (SBSU)
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What kind of positions and/or job opportunities should my small business recruit for at the SBSU career fair?
Any paid/project-based/micro positions can be recruited for; full-time, part-time, internships, micro-internship job opportunities also welcomed. -
How many student opportunities do I need to have to qualify?
We recommend all small business employers have at least one position/job opportunity to recruit for during their participation at this career fair. -
Can I only register with paid opportunities for students?
No, we welcome all paid student/alumni job opportunities, and any work students can complete for class/academic credit. -
How can I make my booth stand out and more attractive to fair attendees?
We recommend all registered small businesses review our “Employer Guide” for tips on how to prepare for and what to expect before, during, and after the SBSU career fair. -
How can I follow up with potential candidates after the career fair?
Collecting the emails of potential student candidates is a great way to ensure easy follow-up after the event. Penn State students are also coached and advised to collect contact information from employers and/or ensure their LinkedIn profiles are up to date to ensure smooth follow-up with registered recruiters. -
What should we do if our business representatives have additional questions or need assistance during the career fair?
There will be Penn State Career Services staff on-site at the SBSU fair, wearing navy blue polos, to assist company representatives throughout the event. -
Can registered companies ship items to Penn State Career Services before the event?
Yes, participating recruiters can ship relevant promotional or display items before the scheduled event. However, all employers are responsible for their return shipping needs after the event.
