Winter is a smart time to start a job or internship search. Many employers plan their spring and summer hiring right now. Therefore, one afternoon on campus can lead to real interviews. The UW Seattle Winter Career Fair 2027 gives you that chance on Wednesday, February 10, 2027. This guide covers the date, registration steps, exhibitors, and schedule. Additionally, it shares practical job search tips, so you can walk in with confidence and walk out with real leads.
Event Overview: Key Details at a Glance
Here are the main facts. However, details can change, so check Handshake before you go.
| Detail | Information |
| Event name | UW Seattle 2027 Winter Job & Internship Fair |
| Date | Wednesday, February 10, 2027 |
| Time | 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. |
| Location | Husky Union Building (HUB), Second Floor Ballrooms, UW Seattle campus |
| Format | In person |
| Registration | Through the event page on Handshake |
| Who can attend | All majors and years, alumni, students from all three UW campuses, and community members |
| Host | UW Seattle Career & Internship Center |
| Contact | [email protected] |
The Career & Internship Center runs the event. Its official name is the Winter Job & Internship Fair, but most students call it the winter career fair. Employers set up booths in a large ballroom space. You walk from table to table, meet recruiters, and share your resume. Because everything happens face to face, you get quick answers and strong first impressions.
Why You Should Attend
Online applications can feel like sending a message into the void. A career fair changes that. You meet a real person, and that person remembers your face. Additionally, recruiters often explain their hiring steps on the spot. You learn which roles need candidates, which skills matter, and when deadlines arrive.
Moreover, the fair saves time. In under three hours, you can speak with many employers. You can also test your pitch, collect advice, and discover companies you never considered. Even if you do not land an interview, you leave with better direction.
Who Can Attend
The fair welcomes a wide group of job seekers. The center states that all majors and all years of study can attend. The guest list includes:
- Students from the UW Seattle, Bothell, and Tacoma campuses
- Graduate students
- UW alumni
- Community members
Therefore, first-year students can attend just as easily as seniors. However, your goals will differ. Seniors and graduate students often chase full-time roles. Younger students may look for internships, part-time work, or simple career advice. Both goals fit the fair.
How to Register for the Fair
Registration takes only a few minutes. Follow these steps.
- Log in to Handshake. UW students and alumni usually use their university login.
- Search for the 2027 Winter Job & Internship Fair, or open the link on the Career & Internship Center events page.
- Select the attend button on the event page.
- Add the date to your calendar and set a reminder for the week before.
- Return to the page in late January to see new employer updates.
Handshake is the main hub for this event. Therefore, update your profile before the day arrives. Upload your resume, list your major, and add your interests. Employers use that information to find and message candidates.
Accessibility and Accommodations
Some attendees need disability-related accommodations. Contact the Career Fairs and Events Team at least ten days ahead. For this event, that means by the end of the day on Thursday, January 28, 2027. Email [email protected] to start the request. Additionally, ask early about access routes, seating, or other needs. Early notice gives staff time to plan.
Exhibitors: Which Employers Will Attend
Employers from all industries attend, and they offer all types of jobs and internships. At the time of writing, the center had not posted a full employer list. Therefore, check Handshake often. Names usually appear on the event page as the date gets closer.
Industries You May See
The table below shows common categories at large campus fairs. It does not confirm any specific exhibitor. However, it helps you think about where your skills fit.
| Industry | Typical Roles | Who Should Visit |
| Technology and software | Software engineer, data analyst, product intern, IT support | Computer science, informatics, data science, engineering |
| Engineering and manufacturing | Design, testing, operations, quality | Engineering, physics, math |
| Healthcare and life sciences | Research assistant, clinical support, public health aide | Biology, public health, nursing, chemistry |
| Business and finance | Analyst, accountant, sales, consulting | Business, economics, statistics |
| Government and nonprofit | Program coordinator, policy aide, outreach | Political science, social work, environmental studies |
| Media and marketing | Content writer, designer, campaign assistant | Communications, design, English |
| Education and community services | Tutor, program staff, youth mentor | Education, psychology, sociology |
How to Research Exhibitors
Research sets strong candidates apart. Recruiters notice when you know their company. Use this simple plan:
- Open each employer’s Handshake page and read the open roles.
- Visit the company website and scan the careers page.
- Read recent news about product launches, growth, or new offices.
- Sort your list into three tiers: top choices, good fits, and practice stops.
- Write one smart question for every top choice.
Tiers help you manage nerves. Start with a practice stop to warm up. Then visit your top choices with a clear head and a sharper pitch.
Schedule and Plan for the Day
The official window runs from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The center lists no separate sessions, so treat the fair as a drop-in event. However, you still need a plan. Crowds often peak around midday, and lines can grow. The table below offers a suggested timeline. These times are tips, not official sessions.
| Time | Suggested Action |
| Around 10:45 a.m. | Arrive a little early, find the entrance, and review your notes |
| 11:00 to 11:30 a.m. | Warm up with two or three practice stops |
| 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. | Visit top-choice employers while your energy is high |
| 12:30 to 1:15 p.m. | Take a break, drink water, and write down names and ideas |
| 1:15 to 2:15 p.m. | Meet remaining employers and explore new booths |
| 2:15 to 2:30 p.m. | Make final stops and collect contact details |
Check your class schedule now. February 10 falls on a Wednesday, so a class may overlap. Talk with your instructor early. Many instructors support students who attend career events.
Location and Travel Tips
The fair takes place in the Husky Union Building, known as the HUB. Look for the Second Floor Ballrooms. Most students can walk there from class. If you commute, plan extra time for parking or transit. Seattle weather in February runs cold and wet, so bring a coat and an umbrella. Additionally, ballrooms can feel warm, so dress in layers.
How to Prepare Before the Fair
Build a Strong Resume
Employers want to review your resume at the fair or soon after. Therefore, print several clean copies. Aim for one page unless you have long experience. Use simple fonts and clear headings. Lead with results, not duties.
- Start each bullet with an action verb.
- Add numbers where you can, such as the number of customers you served each week.
- Match keywords from job posts that interest you.
- Save a PDF copy for online applications.
- Ask the Career & Internship Center for resume feedback before the fair.
Craft a Thirty-Second Pitch
You will introduce yourself many times. A short pitch keeps you calm. Cover four points: who you are, what you study, what you have done, and what you want. For example, you might say, “Hello, I am Maya. I am a junior in informatics. Last summer I built a scheduling tool for a campus club. I am looking for a data internship this summer. What does your intern program look like?”
Practice out loud. Time yourself, and then trim extra words. Additionally, practice with a friend who can give honest feedback.
Pack Your Bag
| Item | Why It Matters |
| Printed resumes | Recruiters may want a paper copy on the spot |
| Padfolio or notebook | You can take notes after each conversation |
| Two pens | One may run out, so carry a spare |
| Charged phone | You can open Handshake and scan codes |
| Question list | You stay focused when nerves hit |
| Water and a snack | You keep your energy up during a long afternoon |
Dress Smart
Business casual works for most industries. Choose clean, comfortable clothes. Pick shoes you can stand in for hours. Furthermore, a neat look shows respect, and respect builds trust.
Job Search Tips for Fair Day
Preparation matters, but your behavior at the booth matters even more. These habits help you stand out.
- Greet recruiters with a smile, eye contact, and a firm hello.
- Wait your turn if a group surrounds the booth.
- Keep each chat to three to five minutes so others can speak too.
- Be honest about your level. Employers value honesty over bluffing.
- Visit employers outside your major. Many roles welcome all majors.
- Ask for a business card or an email address before you leave.
- Write notes right after each talk, while details feel fresh.
Questions That Impress Recruiters
Good questions show interest. Avoid asking what the company does, since you should know that already. Instead, try these:
- Which skills help new hires succeed in their first six months?
- What does a typical intern project look like?
- How do you hire for summer roles, and what are the deadlines?
- What do you enjoy most about working here?
- What is the best next step to apply?
Handle Nerves and Build Confidence
Almost everyone feels nervous at a career fair. That feeling is normal, and you can manage it. First, take three slow breaths before each conversation. Next, remind yourself that recruiters want to meet good candidates. They came to campus to talk with you.
Additionally, set small goals. For example, aim to speak with five employers and collect three contacts. Small wins build momentum. If a chat goes badly, shrug it off and move to the next booth. Every conversation improves your pitch. Finally, bring a friend for support, but talk to recruiters on your own. Recruiters want to hear your voice, not your friend’s.
After the Fair: Follow-Up Steps
The work does not end at 2:30 p.m. Follow-up turns a short chat into a real opportunity. Many candidates skip this step. Therefore, you gain an edge when you act fast.
| Timeline | Action |
| Within 24 hours | Send a short thank-you email and mention one detail from your talk |
| Within 3 days | Apply online for every role a recruiter mentioned |
| Within 1 week | Connect on LinkedIn with a brief, polite note |
| Within 2 weeks | Send a friendly check-in if you hear nothing |
Additionally, keep a simple tracker. List each employer, the contact name, the date, and the next step. That record keeps your search organized as the weeks pass.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Arriving without a printed resume
- Skipping research on the exhibitors
- Asking for a job without naming a role
- Looking at your phone during a conversation
- Forgetting to follow up
Keep Going After the Fair
The Career & Internship Center also offers coaching appointments, workshops, and other fairs through Handshake. For example, a Communications and Media Career Fair appears on the calendar for January 27, 2027. Use these events to build skills before February 10 and to keep momentum after it.
Conclusion
The UW Seattle Winter Career Fair 2027 offers a fast way to meet employers and learn about open roles. The fair runs on Wednesday, February 10, 2027, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the HUB Second Floor Ballrooms. You register through Handshake, and the event welcomes all majors, alumni, and community members.
To succeed, research exhibitors, print your resume, and practice a short pitch. On the day, ask smart questions and take notes. Afterward, send thank-you messages within 24 hours. Therefore, start your preparation now, and you will arrive ready to impress.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When is the fair?
The fair takes place on Wednesday, February 10, 2027, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
2. Where does the fair happen?
It happens in the Husky Union Building (HUB), in the Second Floor Ballrooms on the UW Seattle campus.
3. Does the fair offer a virtual option?
The student information page lists an in-person event only. Check Handshake for any separate virtual fairs.
4. How do I register?
Log in to Handshake, find the 2027 Winter Job & Internship Fair, and select the attend button on the event page.
5. Who can attend?
All majors and years can attend. Students from all three UW campuses, alumni, and community members are welcome.
6. Do I need to stay for the whole event?
No. The fair works as a drop-in event, so you can arrive, visit your target employers, and leave when you finish.
7. What should I bring?
Bring printed resumes, a notebook, pens, a charged phone, a list of questions, and water.
8. What should I wear?
Business casual works well for most industries. Choose comfortable shoes because you will stand and walk.
9. Which employers will attend?
Employers from all industries attend. The center had not posted a full list at the time of writing, so check Handshake for updates.
10. Is the fair worth attending as a first-year student?
Yes. You can explore careers, practice your pitch, and ask about internships. Early practice makes later fairs easier.
