Join us on April 2nd from 9 AM to 6 PM ET for an exclusive virtual career fair. Connect with top employers, explore grad school options, and access free professional development sessions to advance your career.

EVENT LOCATION:

This will be a virtual event hosted on vFairs:
https://careerfair.hbcuconnect.com

EVENT DATE:

April 2nd from 9am to 6pm ET

WHO SHOULD ATTEND:

Diverse Professionals including students, alumni, and job seekers (active and passive)in search of excellent networking and career opportunities.

The overall environment was unique and inspiring...It was my first time doing a completely virtual workshop and I think I enjoyed it more than in-person career fairs.

I was quite impressed with the number and variety of companies represented at the fair, as well as the responsiveness of the HBCU Connect Team when I had questions.

Awesome experience. The graphics of the virtual event were awesome and the pre-event zoom call made me feel prepared for the event and navigating the site on the day of.

Loved the virtual career fair tool. Love the prep call the night before. It was an excellent event overall.

You guys did a great job though, for it being the first time. I'm confident in your ability to pull this off next year even bigger and better. Keep pushing!

Register by completing the form on this page.

Share the event with your friends and colleagues.

On April 2nd, visit https://careerfair.hbcuconnect.com

Get ready to network, learn, and take the next step in your career journey!

WHEN
April 2nd, 2025

WHERE
This will be a virtual event hosted on vFairs: https://careerfair.hbcuconnect.com

Registration Now

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Gain unparalleled access to recruiters and hiring managers from a wide variety of industries. Whether you're an HBCU student looking for internships or an HBCU alum seeking new opportunities, this event connects you directly with employers who are actively seeking diverse talent

Enhance your career readiness with free professional development sessions tailored specifically for HBCU students and alumni. Learn from industry experts, refine your resume, sharpen your interview skills, and get valuable insights into navigating today's job market

Build your network by connecting with other HBCU students and alumni who share your career aspirations. This event is an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas, share experiences, and form relationships that can lead to mentorship, collaboration, and future opportunities.

Agenda

All Sessions

April 2, 2025 09:00

Welcome and Event Kickoff!

Will Moss
HBCU CONNECT

Moderator: Will Moss & Team

Opening remarks from Will Moss, CEO, HBCU Connect and Team

April 2, 2025 10:00

Perfecting the Art of Interviewing

Celeste Warren
Merck

Presenter: Celeste Warren, Vice President, Merck

Join me for an engaging presentation on "The Art of Interviewing," where I’ll share essential tips and insights to empower you on your job search journey. We’ll dive into practical preparation strategies that will help you shine, from researching the company to crafting your personal story that resonates with interviewers. Together, we'll explore the crucial do’s and don'ts of the interview experience, ensuring you feel confident and polished, whether you're dressing for an in-person meeting or a virtual chat. Plus, I’ll emphasize the importance of following up, so you can leave a lasting impression and continue building connections in your professional journey. Let’s turn those nerves into excitement and set you on the path to success!

April 2, 2025 11:00

Breaking the Glass Ceiling with your HBCU Degree

Joy Jackson-Guilford
AbbVie

Presenter: Joy Jackson-Guilford, MS, Directory, Strategic Partnerships, AbbVie

April 2, 2025 12:00

Diversity and Inclusion: Advocating for Change in Your Organization

Lexi Pacheco
Rocky Mountain Prep

Presenter: Lexi Pacheco, Talent Acquisition Partner, Rocky Mountain Prep

As workplaces continue to evolve, cultural competency has become essential for fostering truly inclusive environments. In this session, career seekers and employers will explore how to build individual cultural awareness, identify and address implicit bias, and advocate for inclusive practices regardless of role or industry. Through practical strategies and reflective activities, attendees will gain tools to navigate resistance, foster allyship, and spark change in their own organizations. Whether you’re preparing to enter the workforce or leading a team, this session will empower you to champion diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in meaningful, sustainable ways.

April 2, 2025 13:00

The Power of Networking

Dr. Charlie Fairchild
GE Appliances

Presenter: Dr. Charlie Fairchild, Principal National Accounts Manager - Parts Enterprise, GE Appliances

April 2, 2025 14:00

STEM Careers: Breaking Barriers and Leading the Way

Dr. Cassandra Bazile
Breakthrough T1D

Dr. Courtney Ackeifi
Breakthrough T1D

Presenter: Dr. Cassandra Bazile, Ph.D, Scientist, Breakthrough T1D

Presenter: Dr. Courtney Ackeifi, Ph.D, Sr. Scientist, Breakthrough T1D

April 2, 2025 15:00

Creating High Impact CV/Resume - Insights for Applicants

Dirk Foley

Presenter: Dirk Foley, Sr. Resident Advisor, Providence

Learn insights and tips for creating support documents (CV/Resume) that best support your candidacy with any employer. With 30 years of working with business and healthcare professionals, I will lead a presentation on best practices for creating documents that get noticed. Covering the following elements: format/layout, section sequence, personal statements, AI considerations and more.

April 2, 2025 16:00

Power & Policy: Launching Your Career in Advocacy & Government

Luke Dickinson
The Washington Center

Presenter: Luke Dickinson, Director, Communications and Marketing, The Washington Center

April 2, 2025 17:00

Event Closing Session

Will Moss
HBCU CONNECT

Presenter: Will Moss, CEO, HBCUConnect & Team

EXHIBITORS SIGN UP

Direct Access to Top HBCU Talent

Gain exclusive access to a pool of highly qualified and diverse candidates from HBCUs across the country. This event is your opportunity to connect with students and alumni who bring unique perspectives, experiences, and skills that can enrich your organization.

Showcase Your Commitment to Merit Based Recruitment

Demonstrate your organization’s commitment to finding the best and brightest candidates that come from diverse and untapped communities by actively participating in an event dedicated to uplifting and empowering underrepresented talent. Engaging with HBCU students and alumni shows that your company values diverse voices and is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace.

Efficient and Cost-Effective Recruiting

Maximize your recruiting efforts without the need for travel or logistical planning. This virtual event allows you to connect with a broad range of candidates in a convenient and interactive format, making it easier to find the right talent for your organization while saving time and resources.

A Closer Look at Our 2024 Virtual Career Fair!

5,000

Candidates register to attend

2,000+

Attendees on the day of the event

72

Companies with Booth Space, over 400 recruiters

50K+

Visits to the booths and 39,200 chat messages sent

1,700+

Applies to the jobs posted on the different booths

6

Professional Development sessions that have received 2,839 views

Attendees
Sponsor

What is a virtual career fair?: The virtual career fair allows you to interact with employers, participate in workshops, and explore job opportunities from the comfort of your own home. You'll access the event through our online platform.
How do I participate?: Register online by uploading your resume. On the day of the event, log into the platform using the provided link. You'll be able to visit virtual booths, join live sessions, and network with recruiters.
What technology do I need?: You’ll need a computer or mobile device with a stable internet connection, a webcam, and a microphone for video chats or interviews.
How do I prepare?: Ensure your resume is up to date, dress professionally, and test your equipment before the event. Research participating companies and have questions ready.
Will I be able to interview during the event?: Yes! Many employers will offer live chat and video interview options. Be prepared for on-the-spot interviews and follow-up discussions.
How do I network with employers?: You can chat with recruiters through virtual booths, attend Q&A sessions, and request one-on-one meetings.
Can I attend workshops or sessions?: Absolutely! The event includes professional development workshops, industry-specific panels, and skill-building sessions to boost your career.
What happens after the fair?: Follow up with employers you connected with by sending a thank-you email or applying to positions discussed during the event.
Will the companies choose in advance who they'd like to interview, based on resumes from the pool?: They will receive all resumes of attendees 1 week before the event and they can reach out to candidates individually before the event, OR they will be looking for candidates live at the event to invite them into a video chat to interview.
Do candidates have the opportunity to express interest/ interview with multiple companies during the same day?: Yes, we will have companies active at the event from 9am until 5pm and most will be there all day or post their booth hours at the event at their booths. They will have multiple team members there to chat/talk to candidates.
How often do the companies extend offers based on the activity from the career fair?: We have had candidates hired at all of our past career fairs. Some companies have hired up to 25 candidates at our past career fairs.

What is The ROI from This Event

Interviews and Hires! At our typical recruitment reception for one of our clients with the toughest profile (IT/Software candidates) they were able to hire 12 candidates within 30 days of just one of our events. Most of our clients also are repeat customers and we have a waiting list for our services to host events such as this, which actually drove us to present this "networking and recruitment reception" format for multiple employers in one venue. We will deliver candidate resumes before and after the event, and we will also market your company and specific opportunities to candidates prior to the event to maximize the ROI for your participation.
Branding! Our advertising campaign, and actual weekend events will draw over 100,000 media impressions from professional African Americans in the mid-west considering our event and our partner's career opportunities.
Pipeline Creation! We collect resumes from all interested attendees for every event and deliver a pipeline of hundreds of candidates that can be categorized by data points such as location, college, major, experience, industry, educational level, open to relocation, and more!

What Content do We Provide for The Event?

We will share your Video or Powerpoint slide content during our Career Fair.
Here is content you can share in your video or powerpoint slides:

Introduce your company and the types of roles you typically hire for.
Locations where you have openings, and maybe selling points for those locations.
A pitch for working for your company. Why would someone love working for your company?
Your statement regarding diversity and its importance to your company.

How many Students and Graduates will be In Attendance?

Students: Over 1,500
Graduates: Over 2,500

How can I maximize engagement with candidates during the online career fair?

To maximize engagement, ensure your virtual booth is well-organized with clear and appealing content, such as company videos, job listings, and brochures. Utilize the chat and video features to interact with candidates in real time. Hosting live Q&A sessions or sponsoring a session during our event can also attract more candidates to your booth.

What should I include in my company profile to attract diverse talent?

Your company profile should highlight your commitment to diversity and inclusion, including any initiatives or programs that support underrepresented groups. Include success stories or testimonials from diverse employees, details about your company culture, and information on career development opportunities. Clear job descriptions with inclusive language can also help attract the right candidates.

How can I identify and engage with top candidates efficiently?

Before the event, review the resumes we share to identify potential candidates. Use filters and search tools within vFairs to narrow down candidates based on qualifications, experience, and interests. During the event, make use of the chat function to reach out to these candidates directly. Afterward, follow up with promising candidates to keep them engaged and informed about the next steps.

What are the best practices for conducting virtual interviews during the career fair?

Prepare structured questions that align with your company’s core competencies and the specific role you’re hiring for. Get familiar with the vFairs platform in advance to ensure smooth communication. Keep the interviews concise but comprehensive, allowing time for candidates to ask questions. Providing immediate feedback or outlining the next steps at the end of the interview can leave a positive impression on the candidates.

How can I measure the success of my participation in the online career fair?

Measure success by tracking the number of candidate interactions, resumes collected, and interviews conducted during the event. Assess the quality of candidates by reviewing how many move forward in the recruitment process. Additionally, gather feedback from your team on the ease of use of the platform and from candidates on their experience with your booth. This data can help us refine our process and make for better events in the future.

The sponsorship page says we would get a list of resumes. Does that mean the ability to search and review resumes?

We provide a spreadsheet of all attendee resumes pre-event and post event. They can contact any of those candidates that are of interest.

Are participants required to submit those prior to the event?

Yes, resumes are submitted prior to the event on our landing page (as with all events).

Do you provide technical support for employers on setting up their virtual booths and other aspects of participation?

Yes, we will provide technical support setting up the virtual booths and all aspects of participation including vFairs team if necessary.

Will all HBCUS be participating? If not, which ones can we expect?

We will have students and graduates from ALL HBCUs. Final numbers will be shared closer to the event.

Is there a sample schedule of events for the day (keynote/speaker sessions, networking, etc.)? What time is the career fair?

We have an agenda and schedule on our event page (https://hbcuconnect.com/event) but will fill up the schedule as employers sign on as “session sponsors” choosing the various professional development topics that they would like to present.

How many staff members can we have at the virtual booth?

There is not a hard limit with vFairs for this. We are happy to accommodate.

When is the exhibitor deadline?

We’d like to have everyone signed up by September 23rd.

What are the terms & agreements for a booth sponsor exhibitor? Would you be able to provide a sample agreement for our Legal team to review?

Please click here to view the document.