Looking for ways to make your summer meaningful? Whether you’re aiming for an internship in Gainesville, a part-time job, or a volunteer or shadowing opportunity, the Summer Experience Fair at UF is your chance to connect with employers and organizations ready to help you gain real-world experience.
📅 Date: Thursday, February 19, 2026
🕙 Time: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
📍 Location: Reitz Union Tabling Area
🔗 RSVP in Gator CareerLink to secure your spot.
Why Attend the Summer Experience Fair?
Career fairs aren’t just about finding a job—they’re about building relationships, exploring options, and getting in front of employers who want to meet UF students. When you attend, you can:
• Network with employers and start building connections
• Learn about roles and industries you might not have considered
• Practice professional communication and boost your confidence
Attending the Summer Experience Fair is one of the most effective ways to start your experiential learning journey and get noticed by recruiters.
Why Summer Matters
Summer is the perfect time to gain hands-on experience through internships, part-time jobs, volunteering, and job shadowing. These opportunities help you explore careers, develop skills, and build confidence. Students who complete quality internships are more likely to secure full-time employment, earn higher starting salaries, and feel prepared for life after graduation.
Get Ready with Our Prep Workshop
Want to feel confident and prepared before the fair? Join our “How to Prep for the Summer Experience Fair & Volunteer Fair” workshop!
📅 Date: Tuesday, February 17
🕒 Time: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
📍 Location: Virtual (Zoom)
🔗 Register here: https://go.ufl.edu/6mdowbl
What You’ll Learn:
✅ How to research organizations before the fair
✅ Tips for making a strong first impression
✅ Questions to ask to show interest and stand out
✅ Strategies to turn fair conversations into real opportunities
Use UF Career Resources
Before the fair, take advantage of these resources:
• Gator CareerLink – Explore participating organizations and RSVP
• Quinncia – Get instant feedback on your resume and mock interviews
• Drop-In Coaching – Get help with resumes and professional communication
• Molm Family Gator Career Closet – Access free professional attire and headshots
After the Fair: Showcase Your Experience
If you secure an internship that’s not for academic credit, submit it for the University Recognized Internship (URI) after completion. Once validated, your experience will appear on your Gator Experience Record (GER)—a powerful way to showcase your skills to employers and graduate programs.
👉 Plan ahead by reviewing the URI criteria and submission steps here: https://careerhub.ufl.edu/resources/university-recognized-internship-uri/
✅ Next Steps:
- Register for the Prep Workshop on February 17
- RSVP for the Summer Experience Fair on February 19
- Use UF resources to prepare and make the most of your summer!
This fair is open to ALL UF students and Alumni.
