Engaging with Employers at Penn
At Penn, you’ll find many opportunities to connect with employers who want to meet Penn students. Many of these interactions happen through campus recruiting—a structured process where employers engage with students virtually, in-person, or in hybrid formats to hire for internships and full-time roles. Through career fairs, coffee chats, information sessions, interviews, networking events, and club programming, employers showcase their organizations and recruit future talent.
It’s important to note that campus recruiting is just one pathway to connect with employers. Career Services also helps you explore a wide range of industries and opportunities beyond formal recruiting programs.
Career Services plays a central role in supporting these connections—coordinating employer activities, centralizing job and internship postings, and advertising events through Handshake and newsletters. We also provide guidance to help you make the most of these interactions, whether you’re preparing for interviews, learning how to network, or negotiating an offer.
Where to Find Employer Events
Follow and subscribe to the new Penn On-Campus Employer Recruiting collection on Handshake.
Join industry and affinity communities to receive newsletters containing resources and opportunities.
Space for Virtual Interviews
Career Services manages two small rooms in 3935 Walnut Street (second floor) for students to reserve for virtual interviews. The rooms are available Monday – Friday from 9:15 – 4:30 when classes are in session for a maximum of three hours per day. (See FAQ here.) Reservations can be made here. If these rooms are already reserved or students are seeking space outside of the hours noted above, students are encouraged to explore spaces available through the Penn Libraries. Library reservations can be made here.Â
Interview Schedules and Coffee Chats
Each year, many employers connect with Penn students through a variety of recruiting activities, including first-round interviews and informal coffee chats. While most interview activity takes place in the fall, opportunities are available throughout the academic year. Depending on the employer’s preferences, interviews may be held in-person at Career Services, virtually, or a mix of both. Interviews are typically scheduled and managed through Handshake, ensuring students have a centralized place to view and prepare for opportunities. Find out more here!
Employer Information Sessions
Employer information sessions provide excellent opportunities for students to both learn about the particular organization and to meet representatives and alumni employed by the organization. Employers can choose to hold on-campus or virtual sessions. This is your chance to learn and network! Learn more about information sessions here.
Employer Treks
Embark on a hands-on career exploration with Penn’s Employer Trek program! This unique opportunity lets students connect directly with industry professionals, participate in interactive workshops, and get an insider’s view of leading organizations in your field of interest. Each trek offers a firsthand look at the workplace and meaningful networking opportunities with professionals who have successfully navigated their careers. Career Services fully sponsors the program, so there is no cost to attend. Discover your path to career success by applying for a trek!
Career Fairs
Career Services coordinates a variety of career fairs each year open to students seeking internship and post-graduate opportunities across a wide range of industries. See the complete listing here! Both virtual and in-person career fairs are organized by Career Services.
Navigating Scheduling Conflicts
AI and Recruiting
As you embark on your academic journey, you may find yourself faced with the exciting opportunity of a job or internship interview. However, what happens when an interview clashes with your class schedule? This guide is designed to help you navigate the process of communicating with your professors and employers about interview and class conflicts.
Learn more about Career Service’s policy on using AI tools in the recruiting process here!
