For some Gulls, the Internship, Co-op, & Career Fair is exciting—a room full of possibilities. For others, it’s over 100 tables of small talk, sweaty palms, and the exhausting art of introducing yourself over and over again.
These days, networking can feel less like an opportunity and more like a requirement. And for introverts, the pressure to constantly talk, pitch yourself, and “work the room” can be enough to make you want to stay home.
But wallflowers, no more: introverts can thrive at making connections, and we’re here to tell you how.
“Everyone’s different, but the goal at the end of the day is the same. Building relationships and making connections, because that’s how you’re going to succeed and get jobs,” said Brenda Campbell, Senior Director of Employer Relations for Endicott’s Internship & Career Center. “But how you approach it is very different for every person who’s going through it. For some, it’s very hard.”
With “Think Like a Recruiter” as this year’s theme, preparation is key. The Internship & Career Center encourages students to look into their top companies beforehand, plan a few go-to questions, and even make connections on social media before stepping into the fair.
A little homework can make the whole experience feel way less intimidating. When you walk in with a plan and a sense of what to expect, it’s easier to relax, focus on real conversations, and actually enjoy the fair instead of worrying about it.
A huge part of prep can happen online, and for introverts, LinkedIn is a lifesaver. It’s an easy, low-pressure way to start making connections without diving straight into small talk. You can send a quick, friendly message to recruiters or alumni, comment on posts from companies you’re curious about, share your own projects, or just follow updates to get a feel for a company’s vibe and culture.
“If you’re looking to work for a top company, they want to know you’re following them on Instagram, and you’ve looked them up on LinkedIn. They want to see that engagement, because anyone can have a conversation,” said Campbell.
If you’re not sure where to begin at the fair, Campbell recommends heading to the alumni tables first. Alumni have been through the same nerves, the same questions, and the same fair, so they know what it’s like to stand on your side of the table.
“Everyone knows that it’s uncomfortable,” said Dale McLennan, Dean of the Internship & Career Center. “It’s uncomfortable to go and talk to strangers, but they’re there to talk to you. Don’t feel like you have to carry the burden yourself; the person you’re speaking with will help pick up the conversation.”
Don’t head straight for the big companies first, though. Get your feet wet with a smaller company you may not know much about, and get your conversation juices flowing. That way, you’ll feel more confident when it’s time to approach your top picks.
“One of the things that I always think about is that whenever there’s a networking event, people are there for a reason, and they’re there to meet people. Sometimes, if you kind of reframe the event that way, it can be more helpful,” said McLennan.
You don’t have to click with everyone—and that’s totally okay. Even with 100+ companies at the fair, making one or two meaningful connections is a win. Trying to meet everyone in the room is a fast track to stress city.
“Don’t go in thinking, ‘I have to meet everyone in this room,’” said Campbell. “Set your bar. If I have three great conversations, it’s a win. That really makes that event special.”
During your conversation, jot down one detail the recruiter mentions. Then, reference it in your follow-up. Remembering just one thing can make a big impression—they’ve probably talked to over 100 other students that day, so standing out is crucial.
Nerves are part of the process, but you don’t have to figure it out by yourself.
“Use your resources, come talk to us. Let’s practice your pitch. Let’s give you a couple of great questions to ask to kind of get you over that initial hump, because we’re all here to make you successful,” said Campbell.