Engineering Expo

What is the Engineering Expo?

During the spring and fall semesters, the Office of Engineering Professional Practice hosts the Engineering Expo as a way for engineering students to meet with companies about internship and co-op opportunities. This expo is the best way for students to secure an internship or co-op and accelerate their future by adding paid, real-world engineering experience to their education. The expo is open to all engineering majors with more than 130 companies participating each semester.

The Expo is followed by Interview Day when students can meet individually with employers about specific co-ops and internships. These interviews must be scheduled ahead of time.

Where is the Engineering Expo?

TThe Engineering Expo is held off campus at the Knoxville Convention Center, which is a 10-minute walk from the Zeanah Engineering Complex. Students can take the KAT bus (routes 11, 12, 15, 17 and 42) to the Convention Center for free. There is no onsite parking.

Tips for Success

Follow the below guidelines to improve your chances of a successful Engineering Expo experience.

Before the Expo

• Download the Career Fair Plus App (iOS and Android).
• Research companies. Use the app to learn about the companies attending the Expo.
• Resume review. Visit the Office of Engineering Professional Practice (ZEC 161) from 9 a.m.–4 p.m., Monday through Friday, for a resume review and interview prep with an ambassador.
• Practice your elevator pitch.
• Prepare your professional portfolio. Include 10–15 printed resumes for the Expo.
• Submit resumes virtually. Drop your resumes to employers through the Career Fair Plus app.

The Day of the Expo

• Dress appropriately. View this list of resources, including Smokey’s Closet, to find professional clothing options.
• Network, project confidence, and convey your worth.

What is Interview Day?

Some companies will offer onsite interviews the day after the Engineering Expo in both the spring and fall semesters. These interviews will typically be scheduled during the Engineering Expo for the next day, or they may be communicated later in the evening after the Expo concludes for the day. It is important to note that not all companies stay and conduct interviews at this time. Some will interview remotely or in-person at a later date. The Engineering Professional Practice Office highly recommends that students come to Interview Day in business professional attire.

Where Does Interview Day Take Place?

Like the Engineering Expo, Interview Day takes place at the Knoxville Convention Center, which is a 10-minute walk from the Zeanah Engineering Complex. Students can take the KAT bus (routes 11, 12, 15, 17, and 42) to the Convention Center for free. There is NO onsite parking for the Engineering Expo or Interview Day.

How to Prepare for Interview Day?

• Check the time of interview. Plan to arrive 15 minutes before to get checked in.
• Communicate. Speak with your faculty if your interview occurs during one of your class times.
• Be prepared. Bring copies of your resume with you to the interview.
• Research. Do additional research on the company the night before.
• Prepare. Practice the STAR (situation, task, action, result) Method to best answer interview questions.
• Ask questions. Bring a minimum of 2-3 questions to ask the employer.
• Dress professionally. Put together your business professional outfit the night before to alleviate stress.
• Be confident! You know your experience better than anyone else.