Last year IEEE launched its first virtual career fair to help strengthen the engineering workforce and connect top talent with industry professionals. The event, which was held in the United States, attracted thousands of students and professionals. They learned about more than 500 job opportunities in high-demand fields including artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and power and energy. They also gained access to career resources.
Hosted byIEEE Industry Engagement, the event marked a milestone in the organization’s expanding workforce development efforts to bridge the gap between academic training and industry needs while bolstering the technical talent pipeline, says Jessica Bian, 2025 chair of the IEEE Industry Engagement Committee. The IEC works to strengthen the connection with industry professionals, companies, and technology sectors through global career fairs, as well as its Industry Newsletter, AI-powered career guidance tools, and World Technology Summits, where industry leaders discuss solutions to societal challenges.
“We are bringing together companies, universities, and young professionals to help meet the demand for technical talent in critical sectors,” Bian says. “It is part of our commitment to preparing the next generation of innovators.”
The virtual career fairs are expanding to more IEEE regions this year. One was held last month for Region 9 (Latin America). One is scheduled next month for Region 8 (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) and another in May for Region 7 (Canada).
A global career fair is slated for June.
Registration information for all the fairs is available at careerfair.ieee.org.
Innovative recruitment events
The fairs, which use the vFairs virtual platform, provide interactive sessions with representatives from hiring companies, direct chats with recruiters, video interviews, and access to downloadable job resources. The features help remove geographic barriers and increase visibility for employers and job seekers.
The career fair platform features interactive engagement tools including networking roundtables, a live activity feed, a leaderboard, and a virtual photobooth to encourage participants to remain active throughout the day.
Bringing together thousands of professionals
STEM students participated in the U.S. and Latin America events, along with early-career professionals and seasoned engineers—almost 8,000 participants in all. They represented diverse fields including software engineering, AI, semiconductors, and power systems.
Siemens, Burns & McDonnell, and Morgan Stanley were among the dozens of companies that participated in the U.S. event. More than 500 internships, co-op opportunities, and full-time positions were promoted.
“I found the overall process highly efficient and the platform intuitive—which made for a great sourcing experience,” said a recruiter from Burns & McDonnell, a design and construction firm. “I was able to join a session, short-list several high-potential candidates, review their résumés, and initiate contact with a couple of them.
“I am optimistic that we will be able to extend at least one offer from this pipeline.”
Participating students described the fair as impactful.
“I gained valuable hiring insights from industry leaders, like Siemens, TRC Companies, and Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories,” said Michael Dugan, an electrical and computer engineering graduate student at Rice University, in Houston.
New tools elevating the candidate experience
Attendees had access to AI-guided job-matching tools and career development programs and resources.
Prior to the fair, registrants could use the IEEE Career Guidance Counselor, an AI-powered career advisor. The ICGC tool analyzes candidates’ skills and experience to suggest aligned roles and provides tailored professional development plans.
The ICGC also makes personalized recommendations for mentors, job opportunities, training resources, and career pathways.
Pre-event workshops and mock interview sessions helped participants refine their résumé, strengthen interview strategies, and manage expectations. They also provided tips on how to engage with recruiters.
“I gained valuable hiring insights from industry leaders, like Siemens, TRC Companies, and Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories.” —Michael Dugan, graduate student at Rice University, in Houston
During the Future Ready Engineers: Essential Skills and Networking Strategies to Stand Out at a Career Fair workshop, Shaibu Ibrahim, a senior electrical engineer and member of IEEE Young Professionals, shared networking strategies for career fairs and industry events as well as tips on preparation, engagement, and effective follow-up.
“The workshop offered advice that shaped my approach to the fair,” Dugan said. “It truly helped manage expectations and maximize my preparation.”
Learning more about IEEE
To help participants learn about IEEE and its volunteering opportunities, its societies and councils set up roundtables and technical community booths at the fairs. They were hosted by IEEE Technical Activities, IEEE Future Networks, and the IEEE Signal Processing Society.
“While exploring volunteer opportunities, I was excited to learn about IEEE Future Networks,” Dugan said. “Connecting with dedicated IEEE members, like Craig Polk, was a definite highlight.” Polk is an IEEE senior member and a senior program manager for IEEE Future Networks.
A commitment to career development
IEEE created the career fairs as free, accessible platforms for employers and job seekers to serve as a trusted bridge between companies seeking top technical talent and members dedicated to advancing their career. It is our responsibility to support them by connecting them with meaningful career opportunities.
In today’s unpredictable job landscape, IEEE is stepping up to help our talented members navigate change, build resilience, and connect with future employers.
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