Recruiting timelines can look very different depending on the industry. Some employers know far in advance how many people they plan to hire each year. These organizations often use planned hiring, which can start 6–18 months before you would actually begin the job. This approach is common for companies that bring in a new group of hires (a “cohort”) every year.
Other employers hire on a more as-needed basis. This is called on-demand hiring, and it usually happens when a company needs someone to start within the next 1–3 months. Whether they use planned or on-demand hiring, most employers will post roles on their company website or job platforms like Handshake.
Campus recruiting is especially common in fields like consulting and finance. But some competitive industries—such as health care, media, entertainment, policy, and certain tech or engineering roles—may not recruit on campus because they already receive plenty of applications without doing so.
It’s also important to remember that campus recruiting is just one way to find internships or full-time jobs. Many organizations don’t use formal campus recruiting at all. That’s why it’s helpful to explore all the career programs and events offered through the Greene Center. Most students end up finding opportunities through a mix of networking with employers and alumni and using online job search tools.
Tips for an Industry-Specific Search
Different industries recruit at different times of the year, so it’s important to know the timeline for the field you are interested in. As you get ready for your job or internship search, make sure you understand when applications open, what employers look for, and how to prepare your materials.
A good place to start is by checking out our Career Communities pages, which explain typical deadlines and expectations. You can also follow your favorite companies and Career Communities collections in Handshake to get alerts when new positions are posted. Signing up for company newsletters and talking with alumni who know the hiring cycles in your field are also great ways to stay informed and make your search easier.
- Check Handshake often. New opportunities pop up all the time. Keeping your profile updated helps you receive personalized recommendations and alerts.
- Start early! Many industries have early deadlines, and openings can fill quickly. Giving yourself plenty of time to prepare your resume, research companies, and apply will make the process much smoother. For example, some finance, consulting and tech roles open applications in late summer/early fall for the following summer internship roles.
- Build your network. Connect with alumni, employers, and professionals in your field. They can share insights about the recruiting process and let you know about opportunities. Our Signature Events and The Meliora Collective are great places to begin.
- Go to events. Employer visits, alumni panels, career fairs, and networking events hosted by the Greene Center are all valuable. You can find event details in Handshake.
- Grow your skills and experience. Strong candidates show they can add value. Get involved in internships, research, student organizations, community service, on-campus jobs, or virtual employer projects and competitions to build relevant experience. Check out Forage, Parker Dewey, and Coursera to get started!
- Meet with a career advisor. Regular check-ins can help you stay on track and create a plan that fits your goals. You can schedule an appointment through Handshake.
Campus Recruiting
Information Sessions, Workshops, and More
Employers seeking to hire internships and full-time roles use a variety of programs to meet with students and identify and cultivate talent. They regularly host virtual and in-person information sessions, workshops, and case competitions. These events are a great way to learn about organizations, make connections, and strengthen your application. These can easily be identified in Handshake’s events section.
Career Fairs
The Greene Center hosts fall and spring career fairs where students can learn about companies and explore career paths/opportunities while growing your professional network. By attending these fairs, you can connect with employers, inquire about roles, and learn what makes for a qualified candidate. You can find a greater array of career programming hosted by the Greene Center and employer partners on Handshake.
Employer Road Trips
Local employer road trips provide students with the tools to expand their professional network, deepen their knowledge of career options, and learn firsthand from professionals and alumni in diverse organizations and industries. During a typical road trip, students tour the facilities, connect with alumni and other professionals, and learn about internship and full-time opportunities.
Networking Events
The Greene Center regularly partners with employer and alumni experts to facilitate career education programs across industries. Beyond our Signature Events, the Greene Center hosts larger-scale semesterly networking events and our Career Exploration Summit.
Professional Headshots
The Greene Center, in partnership with the Students’ Association Government, offers a self-service professional headshot station to boost your LinkedIn, Handshake, or personal portfolio. The station is located in the Greene Center on the 4th floor of Dewey Hall making it easy and free for you to capture a polished, professional photo.
The station features a neutral backdrop, softbox lighting, and a camera setup that’s simple to use. Just check in at the front desk, follow the instructions on at the station, and take multiple photos until you find the perfect shot. Once you’re done, you can instantly save your favorite photo to your device or have it emailed to you. No appointment necessary – visit us during normal business hours.
Career Clothing Closet
The Greene Center operates a Career Clothing Closet to provide students with access to free professional apparel for interviews, networking events, presentations, conferences, internships, first days on the job, and more. We are here to help you make the best impression possible as you enter the professional world!
The Clothing Closet is located on the first floor of Lattimore Hall in Room 124. The closet is free for all students – schedule an appointment through Handshake to stop by. Pop-up events are held throughout the year as well.
