Aerospace, Defense, and Intelligence Career Fair
Save the Date - September 22, 2026
The Aerospace, Defense, and Intelligence Career Fair will run from 10am - 4pm on Tuesday, September 22 in the Commonwealth Ballroom in the Squires Student Center. Employers will have the opportunity to meet with students, acquire their resume and have them sign up to interview the following day.
As you prepare to attend the career fair, please review the following information.
For Employers
The Career Fair will run from 10am - 4pm on Tuesday, September 22 in the Commonwealth Ballroom in the Squires Student Center. You will have an opportunity to meet with students, acquire their resume and have them sign up to interview the following day.
Booth Set-up:
Booth load-in and set up will begin on Tuesday, September 22 will run from 8:30 am – 10:00 am.
Spontaneous Interviews:
If you wish to conduct same‑day interviews, please use quiet areas in the Squires lobby or outdoor common spaces (weather permitting).
Interview Day:
You may build your own interview schedule for Wednesday, September 23 if you plan to stay (must make reservations in advance.). Interviews will be hosted at the offices of Career and Professional Development. Rooms are set up to accommodate 2 recruiters and 1 student, so please plan accordingly.
Registration for the 2026 Career Fair is $750 per company. Fees include one company showcase booth (10' x 8') for the career fair on Tuesday, September 22 as well as breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snacks/refreshments for up to four recruiters. Booth includes a 6' skirted table, two chairs and power supply. Individual (optional) interviews may be held at our Career and Professional Development offices on Wednesday, September 23.
In an effort to provide optimal access to our students, the employer space is limited to approximately 60 companies. Register today to reserve your spot!
Cancellation before August 20, 2026: full refund. August 21- September 8, 2026: a $100 administrative fee will be retained for cancellations. After September 8, 2026: no refunds. In the unlikely event that this program is canceled or postponed due to insufficient enrollments or unforeseen circumstances, the university will fully refund registration fees, but cannot be held responsible for any other expenses, including cancellation or change charges assessed by airlines, hotels, travel agencies, or other organizations.
We recommend that you make hotel reservations as soon as possible. Options are listed below (nearest distance first):
The Inn at Virginia Tech — 540‑231‑8000 or 877‑200‑3360; complimentary campus shuttle
Hyatt Place Blacksburg — 540‑552‑7500; complimentary shuttle
Residence Inn Blacksburg — 540‑315‑7112; complimentary shuttle
Main Street Inn — 540‑552‑6246; walkable to Squires
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Blacksburg — 540‑552‑5636
Hilton Garden Inn Blacksburg — 540‑552‑5005
Courtyard by Marriott Blacksburg — 540‑552‑5222; complimentary shuttle
Holiday Inn Christiansburg — 540‑381‑8100
Resumes:
Approximately one week prior to the fair, a resume book (PDF) of the students who have preregistered will be sent out to employers. For privacy reasons, students do have to opt-in to having their resume shared.
Shipping Materials:
Hollins Exposition Services will be providing display support services for this event. Please note that everything for this event is provided (booth, table, power etc.). Hollins Exposition Services is only providing shipping services. You are not required to purchase anything from them. If you do choose to use this shipping service, Hollins Exhibits will bill you directly. Do not ship any materials to Squires Student Center. Hollins will be sending additional information directly to you.
Company Promotional Items:
You are welcome to bring company promotional items - students appreciate them and they help increase visibility.
Breaks/Meals:
- A designated employer break area will offer continental breakfast, coffee, and water.
- Boxed lunches will be provided, or you may walk to nearby downtown restaurants.
- On interview day, coffee and pastries will be available; lunch is on your own.
Parking/Transportation:
NOTE: We will NOT be distributing parking passes this year.
- All employers should park in the Chicken Hill lot near Lane Stadium.
- A complimentary shuttle will run every 10–15 minutes to Squires Student Center.
- If you choose to park independently, use ParkMobile for campus parking (note that costs incurred will not be reimbursed by Virginia Tech). ParkMobile can be used in any parking meter, campus parking space, or lot that has standard F/S, C/G, or R parking.
- Blacksburg Transit is also available and runs every 10–15 minutes during peak hours.
For Students
What: 2026 Aerospace, Defense, and Intelligence Career Fair
When: Tuesday, September 22, 10am - 4pm EST
Where: Commonwealth Ballroom in Squires Student Center
Who: Employers are looking for Sophomore, Junior, Senior, MS, and PhD candidates
Our mission is to directly connect government and industry employers in the intelligence, defense, and aerospace communities with top engineering students for potential internship, co-operative, and/or full-time employment opportunities in the national security field. Over the course of our career fair, y'ou will have an opportunity to meet with employers, share your resume, and set up post-event interviews.
Virginia Tech’s Career and Professional Development office is here to help you show up confident and prepared, no matter your major or academic year. Take advantage of the resume review and interview prep services they provide!
- Get prepared - utilize resources for resume review or interview tips
- Make sure you are registered for the fair in Handshake, and that your resume is marked as public. Employers will have the ability to review your resumes prior to the fair.
- Make sure you have plenty of copies of your resume on hand. There are no public printers located in Squires Student Center. Copies can be made at the Library for a small fee, but we encourage you to come prepared.
- Check out Career Outfitters, to make sure you are dressed to impress
- Tips on preparing for career fairs
Career Fair Prep: Make the Most of Your Fair Experience!
Thursday, September 4th at 5pm (1 hour)
Join Virginia Tech Career and Professional Development for a virtual workshop designed to help you navigate the many career fairs happening this semester with confidence and strategy. Led by two career coaches, this session will guide you through the essentials of career fair success including how to polish your resume, find and research upcoming career fairs, craft a strong elevator pitch, dress professionally, and talk effectively with recruiters. We'll also walk you through how to create a game plan for the day of the fair and the key steps to follow up afterward. Bring your questions! There will be dedicated time at the end of the session to ask anything on your mind! REGISTER HERE
Additional University Career-Related Events
The annual Aerospace, Defense, and Intelligence Career Fair is co-hosted by the Kevin T. Crofton Department of Aerospace and Ocean Engineering and The Hume Center for National Security and Technology.
Questions? Contact us at ADIfair@vt.edu
1600 Innovation Drive
Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States
Phone: 540-231-7253