Penn State Altoona Engineering Fall Career Days
Wednesday and Thursday, October 11 and 12, 2023
- Engineering Networking Reception
Wednesday, October 11, from 6:00–8:00 p.m.
Misciagna Family Center for Performing Arts - Engineering Career Fair
Thursday, October 12, from noon–2:00 p.m.
Slep Student Center
Table of Contents
Employer Information
Engineering Networking Reception
Wednesday, October 11, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. Employer check-in begins at 5:30 p.m. in the Misciagna Family Center for Performing Arts.
The Engineering Networking Reception is a drop-in professional networking event that gives recruiters an opportunity to meet and mingle with engineering students prior to the Engineering Career Fair.
Employers should not bring display boards or materials other than business cards.
This event is free for employers attending the Engineering Career Fair on October 12. Please indicate attendance when registering or contact Sherri McGregor at 814-949-5047 or [email protected].
Attire is business casual.
Engineering Career Fair
Thursday, October 12, from Noon–2:00 p.m. Check-in from 10:00–11:30 a.m. in the Slep Student Center.
Join us for our annual Penn State Altoona Engineering Career Fair. This event, intended for engineering students looking for internships and employment opportunities, will provide you with the best way to reach the most students.
Students from our Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology, Mechanical Engineering, and Rail Transportation Engineering programs will attend this event, as well as first- and second-year students pursuing a wide range of engineering majors.
Attire is Business Professional.
Register for Engineering Career Days
Engineering Facility Tours
- Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology/Mechanical Engineering Lab Tour
Thursday, October 12, from 9:00–10:00 a.m.
Force Advanced Technology Center - Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology/Mechanical Engineering Lab Tour
Thursday, October 12, from 2:30–3:30 p.m.
Force Advanced Technology Center - Rail Transportation Engineering Lab Tour
Wednesday, October 11, from 3:00–4:00 p.m.
Penn State Altoona Devorris Downtown Center - Rail Transportation Engineering Lab Tour
Thursday, October 12, from 9:00–10:00 a.m.
Penn State Altoona Devorris Downtown Center
Arrival and Check-In
When arriving on campus, enter through the main entrance on Juniata Gap Road using the address 3000 Juniata Gap Road, Altoona, PA 16601. Follow the road straight into the Smith Lot (Employee Parking) in front of the Smith Building. Park in one of the designated areas to unload. After you unload, parking is available in the Ivy Lot. As you exit the Smith lot, the Ivy Lot is to the right.
Your reserved table/location will be labeled. Career service staff will be available to assist with questions and set-up.
Career Fair Booth Dimensions and Set-Up
Your area will be equipped with one six-foot table and two chairs. Please contact our office if you require additional space or haven’t already requested an electric hook-up. If you think you might need an extension cord for your display, please bring it with you; the facility is unable to provide extension cords.
Lunch
The Port-Sky Café is open if you would like to purchase lunch before or after the fair. A credit or debit card must be used for purchases. Cash is not accepted at this time.
Advance Shipping
If you would like to send any materials or giveaways for the fair ahead of time, please have them delivered by Monday, October 9.
To ensure that any pre-shipped materials arrive without delay and are waiting for you at your booth on the day of the fair, please make sure that your company or organization name and the number of packages you have sent are clearly marked on the outside of each box or package (e.g., "ABC Company, 1 of 2"). Address all materials for pre-shipment to:
Engineering Career Fair, [Your Employer Name]
103 Slep Student Center
3000 Ivyside Park
Altoona, PA 16601
Finally, be sure to bring along the tracking numbers you used when you initially shipped your packages. In the case that something is lost, the tracking numbers will help you determine whether or not the package ever actually arrived. Also, bring along return labels for your preferred carrier so you can have your remaining materials or items shipped back to your workplace the day after the fair.
Return Shipping
Employers are responsible for arranging any needed return shipping of materials to their workplace following the fair. Please bring return shipping labels with you for the carrier of your choice.
Once you have packed up your booth, please see one of the Career Service staff to assist with arrangements to have your materials picked up for return.
For More Information
Contact Career Services at 814-949-5058 or email Sherri McGregor at [email protected].
Student Information
Engineering Networking Reception
Wednesday, October 11, from 6:00–8:00 p.m.
Titleman Study, Misciagna Family Center for Performing Arts
The Engineering Networking Reception is a drop-in professional networking event that gives engineering students an opportunity to meet and mingle with employers prior to the Engineering Career Fair.
Attire is business casual.
Penn State Altoona Engineering Career Fair
Thursday, October 12, from noon–2:00 p.m.
Slep Student Center
Join us for our annual Penn State Altoona Engineering Career Fair. This event is intended for the Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology, Mechanical Engineering, and Rail Transportation Engineering programs as well as first- and second-year students pursuing engineering majors.
Attire is Business Professional. Students may visit the Career Service Office, 203 Slep Student Center to borrow professional attire.
Career Days Attire
Check the recommended attire under each event to see what to wear
Business Professional or Business Casual
Each company you talk to has a different culture; being more conservative will ensure that you are well-received by all organizations.
Limit distracting accessories, fragrances, or anything too brightly colored. The focus should be on your experience. Be yourself but be sure to avoid distracting attire.
Keep hair out of your face so recruiters can see you smile and make natural eye contact.
Press your clothes before the event to be sure you don’t let wrinkles ruin your professional appearance.
Be kind to your feet by wearing shoes that are clean, polished, and comfortable. Unsightly bandaids and awkward movements can distract from the conversation.
What is Business Professional?
- Suit (dress pants or skirt and a blazer or jacket) Suits in neutral colors are best.
- Solid-colored blouse or dress shirt
- Tie (depending on the choice of shirt/blouse)
- Shoes (heals or flats), close-toed
- Belt (if pants or skirt have belt loops)
Students may visit the Career Service Office, located in room 203 of the Slep Student Center, to borrow professional attire from the Career Closet. Visits are open by appointment only. Call 814-949-5058 or email Penny Harding at [email protected].
What is Business Casual?
- Slacks or skirt
- Conservative collared shirt, polo shirt, or blouse
- Casual closed- or open-toed shoes
- Belt (if pants or skirt has belt loops)
Career Closet
The Career Services Career Closet lends students appropriate interview attire for interviews, career fairs, and networking events free of charge. When entering a job interview or networking event, much of one's first impression is based on appearance. That first impression is crucial. The Career Closet ensures that all Penn State students are able to dress to impress and can feel confident at their next career-related event.
All clothing items are professionally dry-cleaned so you’ll be ready to go when you walk out the door.
The career closet is open by appointment only. Appointments are available Monday–Thursday from 9:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. To schedule an appointment, please call 814-949-5058 or email [email protected].
Participating Companies
The companies listed at the link below are attending the career fair and networking reception. We will continue to add participating companies. Please check back regularly for the most up-to-date company list.
Preparing for the Career Fair
- Wear professional attire.
- Update your resume. If you need help creating or brushing up your resume, make an appointment with our career counselor.
- Rebecca Maguda: [email protected] or 814-949-5059
- Schedule an appointment today by calling 814-949-5058.
- Sign up for or update your LinkedIn profile. A counselor is available to assist with your LinkedIn Profile. See these tips for building a profile.
- Prepare your Elevator Pitch. Need help? See below or schedule an appointment with a career counselor.
- Review the company list and determine which companies you want to speak with during the fair.
- Research the company, check out its website, view recent news and current employment opportunities, view its LinkedIn page, and search among its employees.
- Print multiple copies of your resume to share with employers. Need your resume printed? The career service office has resume paper and printing services available.
Elevator Pitch
- Introduce Yourself. Give your name, major, year in school, or when you are completing your degree. Keep it simple and to the point.
- What makes you unique? Describe some work, internship, or volunteer experience as it relates to your industry and how it might benefit the employer.
- What is your goal? State your career goal or the types of positions you are interested in and the skills you would like to apply.
- What do you know about the company? Do company research ahead of time and show the employer your interest by telling them what you know.
- Make a strong conclusion. Provide the employer with your resume and ask for a business card or contact information so you can follow up with a thank-you note.
After the Career Fair
Send a handwritten or email note to each employer you met with at the fair.
Include something you talked about, provide any missing information or documents you discussed, and request additional information if needed.
Tips for First- and Second-year Students
Plan to attend the networking reception and the career fair to talk about what opportunities exist for your major or career interest
Business casual attire is recommended.
Update your resume. Employers may provide feedback on resumes and skill-building for future fairs. If you need help creating or brushing up your resume, make an appointment with our career counselor, Rebecca Maguda, at [email protected] or 814-949-5059. Call 814-949-5058 today to schedule an appointment.
Prepare and practice an elevator speech. It will make it easier to introduce yourself to the recruiters.