Virtual Career Fairs Connect Students to Employers Nationwide

"In a 2025 Student Voice Survey by Inside Higher Ed and Generation Lab, 38 percent of students said they want their college to prioritize helping them find or access paid internships; an additional 30 percent of respondents want colleges to facilitate stronger connections with potential employers. Colleges and universities often host career fairs, inviting local or college-affiliated employers to meet soon-to-be interns and graduates."

"Going virtual: Since the COVID-19 pandemic, more graduates have expressed interest in remote and hybrid work opportunities. A 2024 National Association of Colleges and Employers survey found that about half of graduates (51 percent) want to work exclusively in person, while 43 percent prefer a hybrid working environment. While the surge in fully remote work has declined since the pandemic, many employers continue to employ online recruiting resources to identify talent."

"A 2025 Handshake survey found that 73 percent of graduates ranked getting a job in a desired location as a top priority, and 69 percent want to work near their family. Just over half of students want to find a job in their hometown (58 percent). Virtual events can remove barriers to access for students who may not otherwise be able to participate in campus events."

Thirty-eight percent of students want colleges to prioritize helping them find or access paid internships, and 30 percent want stronger connections with potential employers. Colleges often host career fairs and are increasingly inviting employers from distant locations to participate through virtual events. Digital formats expand access to career exploration and reduce participation barriers for students who cannot attend on-campus events. A 2024 National Association of Colleges and Employers survey found 51 percent of graduates prefer exclusively in-person work while 43 percent prefer hybrid arrangements. A 2025 Handshake survey reported 73 percent prioritize getting a job in a desired location and 69 percent want to work near family.

Read at Inside Higher Ed | Higher Education News, Events and Jobs