GradSWE Graduate Student & Postdoc Industry Recruitment Event (VIRTUAL)

The GradSWE Graduate Student & Postdoc Industry Recruitment Event (GradSWE-GSPIRE) is an informal way to interact with employers who hire individuals with advanced degrees and experience. Some employers will have internships, fellowships, and/or full-time technical positions available now, while other companies will be promoting future opportunities not yet available. The GradSWE Career Fair is an annual career fair co-hosted by the Office of Graduate Education and the Graduate Chapter of Society of Women Engineers in partnership with Engineering Career Services.

While this event is hosted by the Graduate Chapter of Society of Women Engineers, it is open to ALL MS/PhD/Postdoc STEM disciplines. MS/PhD/Postdocs are encouraged to attend this event, as well as the ECS SWE Career Fairs, both virtual (Jan. 30th) and in-person (Jan. 31st) from 1-5 pm ET.

During the 30-minute group information sessions, you will be able to explore company culture and career opportunities. Alternatively, the 1-on-1 10-minute sessions with industry representatives will allow you to ask questions and learn about career opportunities at the company specifically for you.


The GradSWE-GSPIRE will be held VIRTUALLY using the Handshake career fair platform. A virtual format will enhance the experience, allowing you to:

• Meet with employers. Interact with recruiters through video, audio, or chat.
• Discover new career opportunities. All levels of graduate students and postdocs (1st years to those finishing) are welcome to explore career opportunities in industry.
• Never wait in line, ever. Pre-schedule 1:1 or group sessions with employers ahead of the event or on the day-of the event. Be fair warned that both types of sessions are limited, so sign up early!

What do I do once I have registered for this event?

You will need to register for this "career fair" on Handshake to sign up for the two types of sessions: Group Sessions (30-minute Info session) and/or 1:1 Sessions (10-minute chat with a recruiter). To join us, click the blue "Register" button (don't see one, then make sure you are logged into your Handshake account!). Once registered, you can add company sessions that fit your schedule.

Get ready for the Graduate Student Virtual Recruitment Event!

Get ready for the virtual recruitment event by reviewing Handshake's Guide to Attending a Virtual Career Fair. For information on specific topics, click the links below:

• The Virtual Fair on Handshake
• Identifying a virtual fair
• Registering and signing up for sessions
• Preparing for the fair
• Participating in the fair
• Following up after the fair
• FAQs

When does Graduate Student and Postdoc Registration open for the Graduate Student Virtual Recruitment Event?

Immediately! You MUST register AND sign up for 1:1 and Group Sessions in order to participate in the event. If you don't see any sessions available, check back! Employers may add sessions at any time up to the date of the event!

• To sign up for Group or 1:1 sessions, you may be prompted to update your profile privacy setting. It is recommended that you use Community to make the most of your Handshake experience, as this will allow you to participate in all sessions and engage with other students/alumni.
  • For more information on profile privacy, please see Profile Privacy Options in Handshake.

Who should attend the Graduate Student Virtual Recruitment Event?

All Graduate Students (M.S. and Ph.D.) and Postdocs are welcome to join the event. We highly encourage 1st-year MS/PhD/Postdocs & 2nd and 3rd years in a PhD or Postdoc to come explore future careers and build your professional network within the industry (as many keep records on their interactions with you). Those of you within 18 months of completing your program should consider this as a MUST attend event and explore your entry-level career options.

How will I engage with employers at the Graduate Student Virtual Recruitment Event?

• To engage with employers at the networking event, you must register for the networking event AND sign up for sessions with employers.
  • For details on this process, please see Signing Up for & Managing Virtual Fair Sessions
• Review which employers are attending the event (follow employers you want to check back in with). Make sure to do your company research on top employers of interest to you and determine how you see your skillsets fitting into their organization.
• You'll be able to sign up for sessions at any point, even during the event (as long as the session hasn't started).

What are the technical requirements for using virtual events, video, and chat?

• Refer to Handshake's Video Requirements and Troubleshooting Guide for more information.

Who can I contact for help on the day of the event?

Visit the Zoom help room associated with the event. See the event for a help room link.

Accessibility information for OSU students

If you require an accommodation such as live captioning or interpretation to participate in this event, please contact ECS at eng-ecs@osu.edu. Requests made two weeks before the event will generally allow us to provide seamless access, but the university will make every effort to meet requests made after this date.