CARBONDALE (SIU NEWS) — Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s annual spring job and internship fair on Feb. 17 will bring together more than 100 businesses searching for top talent, and additional businesses are welcome to participate. SIU students and alumni are invited to attend for free to pursue myriad opportunities.

The university’s Career Development Center is hosting the spring 2026 Job and Internship Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Student Center ballrooms.

More businesses welcome

There’s still time for businesses and other prospective employers to register for this semester’s fair. Sign up online.

Early bird registration is available through Feb. 4 for $375. After that date, the price goes up to $400. Businesses may still register the day of the event for $450.

Discounted rates are offered for nonprofit organizations, government agencies and new employers. SIU departments can register at no cost.

All employers registering by Feb. 7 will be featured in the handout students receive.

Admission is free for current students and SIU graduates. They must just meet a couple of requirements. All who attend should dress professionally and bring multiple copies of their resumes.

Resource, assistance available

The Career Development Center offers a variety of services and activities to help students  search for jobs or internships.

Free professional headshots will be available from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. the day of the event across from the bookstore in the Student Center.

Other assistance includes:

• Access to the professional clothing closet, where students can obtain one full professional outfit each semester for free.
• A walk-up resume critique event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 10-12 at the north end of the Student Center’s first floor. Participants must bring a printed copy of their resumes to receive on-the-spot feedback from the center’s staff.
• JC Penney Suit-up Event, an online program where students can purchase professional clothes at a discounted price from Feb. 1 to May 3 with the discount code available by texting SIU to 67292.

Additional details

Organizers are seeking student volunteers as well. Students can sign up online and earn volunteer hours.

For additional details about the Job and Internship Fair, contact the Career Development Center at 618-453-2391 or careerdevelopment@siu.edu.