How to Make the Most of an Online "Meet the Employers" Event as a Student or Graduate

11 July 2025

A young smartly-dressed, smiling female university student sitting in front of her laptop taking part in an online event.

Whether you’re looking for your first internship or applying for a graduate role, attending an online employer meet up event is a great opportunity to connect with recruiters, gain insights into your target industry, and boost your confidence. But to make the most of it, preparation is key.

This guide is designed to help international and local students in Australia show up professionally, ask smart questions, and make a memorable impression - even online and through a screen.

1. Before the Event: Prepare like you’re going to a job interview

Choose a professional display name

Make sure the name that appears on the screen is your full name, not a nickname or email address. Avoid showing up as “user245” or “iPad (2)” - it’s a missed opportunity and makes you look unprofessional and unprepared.

Example: “Sarah Chen” instead of “sarah123” is clearer and more professional.

Update your LinkedIn profile

Many recruiters will look you up. Have a professional photo, clear headline (e.g. “Civil Engineering Student at UNSW | Seeking 2025 Internship”), and a short summary about what you’re studying and what you’re looking for.

Research the participating employers

Look at the event schedule and shortlist the companies that interest you. Visit their websites, LinkedIn pages or other professional platform profiles to understand what they do and what roles they offer.

Write down:

  • Why you’re interested in them
  • What programs or internships they offer
  • Any recent news or projects you can mention

Prepare your pitch

You might get the chance to introduce yourself in a chat or Q&A. Prepare a 2–3 sentence intro:

“Hi, I’m Rahul, a final-year Mechanical Engineering student at UTS. I’m currently looking for an internship in product design or renewable energy projects. I’m particularly interested in your company’s work on sustainable innovation.”

2. During the Event: Show up and be seen (even virtually)

Dress professionally

Even though you’re online, wear neat clothes and tidy hair as if you’re attending in person. You may be asked to turn on your camera for networking sessions or one-on-one chats; in general it’s much better to start with the camera on anyway and only turn it off if requested by the event organiser or moderator.

Use your camera and mic appropriately

If the event format allows, keep your camera on during small-group or one-on-one interactions. It helps you appear engaged. Be sure to mute your mic when you’re not speaking, and ensure your background is tidy. And remember to turn your microphone on when you do speak or ask a question!

Take notes

Note down useful points from employer presentations, especially when they share tips about their application process or assessment centres. These can give you a competitive edge when you apply.

Ask thoughtful questions

Avoid generic questions like “What does your company do?” Instead, ask:

  • “What qualities do you look for in successful interns?”
  • “How can international students best position themselves during your recruitment process?”
  • “Could you describe a typical project that a graduate might work on in their first year?”

Participate actively

Use the chat function respectfully. Do take on any opportunity to ask smart questions; it’s good to have those questions ready and ensure they are relevant to the company and the presentation. Say thank you after a presentation. If there’s a poll or feedback prompt, contribute. These small touches show you’re engaged.

3. After the Event: Follow up and reflect

Connect on LinkedIn

If you chatted with a recruiter or presenter, send them a connection request the same day. Mention the event:

“Hi Emily, I enjoyed your presentation at Meet the Employers and appreciated the advice you shared about standing out at assessment centres. I’d love to stay connected.”

Review your notes

Reflect on what you learned, which companies interested you most, and any next steps you want to take (e.g. applying for a specific role or updating your CV).

Apply what you learned

Use any application tips you picked up to tailor your resume or improve your interview responses. If a recruiter mentioned a specific skill or project that matters to them, highlight it in your application.

Attending an online “Meet the Employers” event is more than just logging in. It's a chance to make a first impression, gather inside information, and take control of your career development and direction. Whether you’re a final year student or have already graduated, take these opportunities seriously.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Every professional journey starts with a single conversation, and online employer events are a great place to begin. The more prepared and proactive you are, the more confident and capable you’ll feel - whether you're asking a question in a chat, joining a breakout room, or applying for a role later on.

So take the time to plan, show up with purpose, and treat each interaction as a step towards your future career. You never know who’s watching or which connection might open the next door.

Read also: What Employers Look For in New Graduates