Breaking the ice at Bramlage

Every September, Kansas State University welcomes hundreds of employers to the All-University Career Fair, where thousands of students arrive with résumés in hand, ready to explore internships, jobs and career opportunities.

For students like Keith Burr and Mike Robertson, attending the fair helped turn some of the uncertainty surrounding the job search into confidence and valuable experience.

Burr, a senior in mechanical engineering who attended the All-University Career Fair in 2025, said the experience helped him begin seeing himself as a professional in his field.

“The Career Fair made me feel like a real professional, surrounded by other students dressed up and ready to take the next step in their careers,” Burr said.

The fair also led to a tangible next step: Burr received an internship offer from one of the employers he met at the event.

Beyond finding opportunities, Burr said attending helped ease some of his nerves about talking with employers.

“The company representatives were incredibly welcoming and genuinely interested in talking with me, which made the experience feel much less intimidating,” he said.

The career fair can also give students a chance to practice networking before beginning a job or internship search. Robertson, a senior in marketing who attended the fair in 2025, said preparation helped him make the most of the experience.

“I was definitely nervous about going to the All-University Career Fair, but coming prepared made the experience much easier and more enjoyable,” Robertson said. “I researched the employers I was most interested in and wrote down a few key points about each company, including what they do and any recent news or developments.”

His advice for students who are unsure about attending is simple: Go.

“Even if you are nervous or intimidated, it is absolutely worth attending,” Robertson said. “I found the experience extremely valuable. The All-University Career Fair gave me the opportunity to practice speaking with employers, learn more about what companies look for in candidates and become much more confident in professional networking.”

Whether students are looking for an internship or full-time position or simply want to practice networking, the All-University Career Fair offers an opportunity to build skills and make connections as they prepare for life after college.

This year’s All-University Career Fair will take place Sept. 22-24 at Bramlage Coliseum, with more than 400 employers expected and more than 4,000 students anticipated to attend.

Students are encouraged to dress professionally, bring printed copies of their résumé and prepare to connect with employers. Whether they leave with a new opportunity, a promising contact or simply more confidence talking with professionals, one conversation at the fair can be an important step toward their future careers.

For more information, please visit the All-University Career Fair page on Handshake or review our Tips for Career Fair Success.