LSU Students Prepare for Career Expo with Advice from Employers
September 14, 2026
With LSU’s largest recruiting event of the semester just days away, students had the opportunity to hear directly from employers about how to make the most of a career fair.
On September 9, the LSU Olinde Career Center hosted Prepare for the Fair Lunch & Learn: What Employers are Really Looking For, bringing 45 students and eight employers together for an interactive session focused on career fair preparation.
LSU Olinde Career Center hosted the Prepare for the Fair Lunch & Learn: What Employers are Really Looking for on September 9, 2026.
With the LSU Career Expo coming up Thursday, September 17, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the event gave students practical strategies they can put into action before stepping onto the Career Expo floor.
Hearing directly from employers
The employer panel featured representatives from the American Association of Professional Landmen (AAPL), Click Here Digital, ExxonMobil, the Louisiana Division of Administration, Marathon, OxyChem, Ramboll US Corporation, and W.R. Grace.
Panelists discussed the value of career fairs as opportunities for students to explore careers and industries, discover internships and full-time positions, and begin building relationships with employers.
Students also learned that preparation can make a significant difference in their career fair experience. Students were encouraged to research participating organizations, identify companies of interest, review available positions, update resumes and prepare two to three questions to ask employers.
A major focus of the session was the elevator pitch. During the Lunch & Learn, students had the opportunity to practice their elevator pitches directly with employers through a mini speed-networking activity.
One tip employers emphasized was ending an elevator pitch with a question. Rather than simply introducing themselves and walking away, students can use a question to turn an introduction into a conversation and learn more about the employer.
Career fairs are for everyone
The conversation also emphasized that career fairs are not limited to students who are graduating or actively searching for a job.
Career fairs can help students at any point in their LSU experience explore potential career paths, learn about industries and employers, and become more comfortable with professional networking. For students seeking internships or full-time positions, they can also provide an opportunity to connect directly with organizations that are hiring.
During the Q&A portion of the event, a student asked employers for advice for freshmen attending their first career fair.
Fisher Maddox with AAPL offered a simple response: “Shake as many hands as you can.”
The advice reflects one of the central messages of the Lunch & Learn: career fairs are an opportunity to start conversations. Students don't have to know exactly what they want to do or have years of experience to benefit from making connections with employers.
With the LSU Career Expo taking place Thursday, September 17, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., students can put that advice into practice this week.
By researching employers, preparing their resumes, practicing their elevator pitches and coming ready with questions, students can arrive prepared to make the most of the event.
About the LSU Career Center
Our team is committed to ensuring every student has ample opportunities to gain experience, grow their network, and communicate their aptitude for a chosen career long before graduation. We believe LSU students are unparalleled in their potential to step into leadership, solve problems, and elevate the workforce for the benefit of all.