Connect with Commodores

Handshake

The  Vanderbilt Career Center utilizes Handshake to manage interactions between students and employers. Please create an account to schedule recruiting events (on campus or virtual) and promote jobs and internships to Vanderbilt students.

Handshake utilizes standard language for their employer events requests. You can view our menu of services to identify the categories to select based on the type of event you would like to host at Vanderbilt University.

Recruiting Calendar

  • August 21: First Day of Classes – Recruiting Season Opens
  • September 2: Labor Day (no recruiting activities)
  • September 12: Engineering Career Fair 
  • September 23-27: Commodore Career Week — Details Here
  • October 2-4: Rosh Hashanah (no evening recruiting activities)
  • October 10-11: Fall Break for Undergraduate Students (no recruiting activities)
  • October 11-12: Yom Kippur (no evening recruiting activities)
  • November 25-29: Thanksgiving Break (no recruiting activities)
  • December 5: Last Day of Classes – Recruiting Season Closes

Explore Your Recruitment Options With Our Menu of Services!

  • Coffee Chats
    • Coffee chats are less formal conversations that allow employers to network and share information about their organizations, industry insights, recruiting processes, or other professional topics.
    • They can be held in the Career Center, virtually, at a local Coffee Shop, or off-campus site!
    • Often include coffee/breakfast provided by the employer.
    • Typically held Monday – Friday between 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. CT (but can adjust on weekdays as needed).
    • Recommended submission method: “Interview schedule” format on Handshake.
    • Employers must attach a job to the interview schedule to open it for student registration. This can be an existing job or a dummy “job” (we suggest naming it “[Employer] Coffee Chats” for clarity).
  • Information Sessions
    • Host an information session to inform Vanderbilt talent about your organization, career opportunities, or industry tips and tricks
    • We suggest hosting information sessions Monday through Thursday between 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. CT.
    • Request through the “Events” section of Handshake (please specify “tabling” in the title of the request if applicable).
    • Ensure that the content of your Handshake request is exactly as you want students to see it when approved.
    • If you plan to bring food to an info session, include this in the event description. It attracts students and allows us to inform housekeeping.
  • Tabling
    • Tabling allows employers to reserve a table in high-traffic areas of campus where students can stop by to learn about the company or talk to a recruiter
    • Employers are encouraged to bring tabling supplies such as handouts, swag, tablecloths, and logo displays.
    • Typically held Monday – Friday between 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. CT.
    • Request through the “Events” section of Handshake (specify “tabling” in the title of the request).
  • Customized Programming
    • Other options include panels, curiosity conversations, site visits, and lunch and learns
    • Interested in hosting a specialized recruiting event? Let us know your idea and how we can support. Reach out to our team today at recruiting@vanderbilt.edu!

Important Notes

  • Nashville is in the Central Time Zone; please request event times accordingly.
  • After an info session or tabling event is requested in Handshake, we coordinate with our university’s Events team to secure space or a table. Handshake requests are approved only after this confirmation, so there may be a delay until approval.

Career Fairs

Career fairs provide employers a fantastic opportunity to meet thousands of talented Vanderbilt undergraduates. Career fairs also provide a space to enhance your brand and promote upcoming engagement opportunities such as on-campus interviews and information sessions.

  • Employer Registration

    Registration fees vary by event. For more information, reach out to our Employer Specialists at recruiting@vanderbilt.edu or visit Handshake

  • Position Postings

    Please post all updated job and internship postings directly in Handshake. There is never a charge to post. If you require assistance please forward your postings to recruiting@vanderbilt.edu.

  • Marketing & Advertising

    The Career Center will promote your organization to students during the weeks leading up to the fair through email campaigns, social media, etc.

  • Interviews

    Scheduling interviews is easy using Handshake. Contact your Employer Relations Specialist if you have questions.

  • Refund Policy

    Employers will receive a 100% refund up to 2 weeks prior to the Career Fair. No refunds after that date.