Purdue launches first India Virtual Career Fair

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue University hosted its first India Virtual Career Fair on Wednesday (Oct. 25) to convene students interested in internships and job opportunities in India with companies who are seeking talented professionals.

During a two-hour window, about 100 students had one-on-one visits with representatives from 11 companies in various fields including medical technology, unmanned aerial vehicles and solar energy.

 “We are pleased with the results of the first India Virtual Career Fair and are interested in offering even more international placement opportunities for Purdue students,” said Suresh Garimella, executive vice president for research and partnerships and Goodson Distinguished Professor of Mechanical Engineering. “Purdue is ranked fourth among public universities for its international student population, and it is a priority to ensure that we identify and support international opportunities for our students.”

Just like at an in-person career fair, Purdue students lined up at various booths hosted by company representatives. Each student had approximately eight minutes to chat with a representative to learn more about the company and its internship and job opportunities.

In advance of the fair, participating students were offered a workshop on best practices for a virtual career fair, to help them make the most of the experience. Purdue career center representatives provided guidance on recommended research to do in advance, how to prepare, how to best represent themselves during the event, and how to follow up with their new contacts. Undergraduate and graduate students representing various majors, including engineering, management, computer science and nursing, participated in the event.

The virtual fair was sponsored by the Purdue Alumni Association, the Purdue Center for Career Opportunities, Purdue Office of Professional Practice and the Office of the Purdue Executive Vice President for Research and Partnerships. 

Writer: Amy Patterson Neubert, 765-494-9723, apatterson@purdue.edu 

Sources: Heidi Arola, 765-496-0563, harola@purdue.edu