IEEE Launches Global Virtual Career Fairs

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 took place in the United States, attracted thousands of students and professionals. They discovered more than 500 job opportunities in high-demand fields, including artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and power and energy. They also had access to professional resources.

Hosted by IEEE Industry Engagement, the event marked an important milestone in the organization’s growing workforce development efforts to bridge the gap between academic training and industry needs while strengthening the technical talent pipeline, said Jessica Bian, 2025 chair of the IEEE Industry Engagement Committee. The IEC strives to strengthen connections with industry professionals, businesses and technology sectors through global career fairs, as well as its industry newsletter, AI-powered career guidance tools and global technology summits, where industry leaders discuss solutions to societal challenges.

“We bring together companies, universities and young professionals to help meet the demand for technical talent in critical sectors,” explains Bian. “This is part of our commitment to preparing the next generation of innovators.”

Virtual career fairs are expanding to more IEEE regions this year. One of these took place last month for Region 9 (Latin America). One is planned for next month for Region 8 (Europe, Middle East and Africa) and another in May for Region 7 (Canada).

A global career fair is planned for June.

Registration information for all fairs is available at Careerfair.ieee.org.

Innovative recruitment events

The fairs, which use the vFairs virtual platform, feature interactive sessions with representatives from hiring companies, face-to-face discussions with recruiters, video interviews and access to downloadable employment resources. The features help eliminate geographic barriers and increase visibility for employers and job seekers.

The career fair platform features interactive engagement tools including networking roundtables, a live activity stream, leaderboard and a virtual photo booth to encourage attendees to stay active throughout the day.

Bring together thousands of professionals

STEM students participated in the events across the United States and Latin America, alongside early-career professionals and seasoned engineers—nearly 8,000 participants in total. They represented diverse fields including software engineering, AI, semiconductors and power systems.

Siemens, Burns & McDonnell and Morgan Stanley were among dozens of companies that participated in the American event. More than 500 internships, work-study opportunities and full-time positions were promoted.

“I found the overall process to be very 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 attend a session, shortlist several high-potential candidates, review their resumes and make contact with a few of them.

“I am optimistic that we will be able to expand at least one offering from this pipeline.”

Participating students described the fair as having an impact.

“I have gained valuable recruiting insights from industry leaders such as Siemens, TRC Companies and Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories,” said Michael Dugan, a graduate student in electrical and computer engineering at Rice University in Houston.

New tools improving the candidate experience

Participants gained access to AI-guided job search tools as well as career development programs and resources.

Prior to the show, attendees could use the IEEE Career Advisor, an AI-powered career advisor. The ICGC tool analyzes candidate skills and experience to suggest aligned roles and offers tailored professional development plans.

The ICGC also makes personalized recommendations regarding mentors, job opportunities, training resources and career paths.

Pre-event workshops and mock interview sessions helped attendees refine their resumes, strengthen their interview strategies and manage their expectations. They also provided tips on how to engage with recruiters.

“I have gained valuable recruiting insights from industry leaders such as Siemens, TRC Companies and Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories.” —Michael Dugan, graduate student at Rice University, Houston

At the Future Ready Engineers: Essential Skills and Networking Strategies to Stand Out at a Career Fair workshop, Shaibu Ibrahim, senior electrical engineer and IEEE Young Professionals member, shared networking strategies for career fairs and industry events as well as tips on preparation, engagement, and effective follow-up.

“The workshop offered me advice that shaped my approach to the fair,” Dugan said. “It really helped me manage expectations and maximize my preparation.”

Learn more about IEEE

To help attendees learn more about IEEE and its volunteer opportunities, its societies and councils hosted panel discussions and technical community booths at the fairs. They were hosted by IEEE Technical Activities, IEEE Future Networks, and the IEEE Signal Processing Society.

“As I explored volunteer opportunities, I was excited to learn about future IEEE networks,” said Dugan. “Connecting with dedicated IEEE members, like Craig Polk, was a highlight.” Polk is a senior member of the IEEE and senior leader of the IEEE Future Networks program.

A commitment to career development

IEEE created career fairs as free and accessible platforms for employers and job seekers to serve as a bridge of trust between companies seeking top technical talent and members committed to advancing their careers. It is our responsibility to support them by providing them with meaningful career opportunities.

In today’s unpredictable employment landscape, IEEE is stepping up to help its talented members navigate change, build resilience, and connect with future employers.