Information for Employers

School of Packaging Career Fairs

Career fairs are an effective way to connect with highly qualified students seeking internships and entry-level positions. The MSU School of Packaging hosts two career fairs each year, bringing together employers and students from across the packaging value chain.

Employer registration for all career fairs is completed online through Handshake: https://msu.joinhandshake.com/edu/career_fairs/60388

Recruiting Through Handshake
Michigan State University is committed to ensuring all students have equitable access to career opportunities. Employers are encouraged to post all internship and full-time positions through Handshake, MSU’s online career management platform.

New employers may create a Handshake Employer account at: https://msu.joinhandshake.com/edu
Once approved, employers may post positions and register for career fairs.
Existing Handshake employers seeking to add staff users should contact: Jill Cords, CANR Career Consultant jcords@msu.edu | 517-355-0234

Important: Before registering for a career fair, please post your open positions in Handshake so they can be linked to your registration.

Build Your Brand and Increase Visibility

Engaging with student organizations is an excellent way to increase your presence on campus and connect with students beyond the career fair.

Employers are encouraged to collaborate with the Packaging Student Organization at Michigan State University, the Michigan State University Packaging Society (MSUPS), to explore sponsorships, speaking opportunities, and student engagement initiatives.

https://msupackagingsociety.wixsite.com/msuedu

On-Campus Interviews
Employers may conduct on-campus interviews at MSU Career Services at the Stadium. Interview suites are available free of charge.

To reserve an interview suite, contact: Kim Kowalski 517-884-1302 kowalsk4@msu.edu

Once an interview date is confirmed, employers can submit job descriptions through Handshake, collect resumes, and create interview schedules within the system.

Student Outcomes and Compensation

Average internship pay rate: approximately $25 per hour (Range: $16–$40 per hour, depending on location)

Placement, salary, and geographic outcomes data are available through MSU Career Services: https://careernetwork.msu.edu/outcomes/#!Packaging%20(CANR)

Look in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources - Packaging

Career Fair Preparation Information for Employers

The following information is provided to help ensure a smooth and successful experience at the School of Packaging Career Fair. If you have questions or need assistance at any point, please contact:

Angela Brann
Placement Coordinator
mooradi7@msu.edu

Recommended Hotels:

Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center
800-875-5090
www.kelloggcenter.com

Candlewood Suites
3545 Forest Road, Lansing, MI 48910
888-226-3539 | 517-351-8101
http://www.cwsuites.com

East Lansing Marriott – University Place
300 MAC Avenue, East Lansing, MI 48823
800-646-4678 | 517-337-4440
Marriott University Place

Residence Inn by Marriott
1600 East Grand River, East Lansing, MI 48823
517-332-7711
Residence Inn East Lansing

TownePlace Suites by Marriott
2855 Hannah Blvd., East Lansing, MI 48823
517-203-1000
TownePlace Suites East Lansing

School of Packaging Program Information

Information about the School of Packaging, including curriculum and internship programs, is available at: https://www.canr.msu.edu/packaging/undergraduate_information/curriculum

What to Bring to the Career Fair

Please plan to bring:

Business cards
Tablecloth (to fit a 6-foot table)
Packaging or product samples
Writing utensils
Packing tape / Return shipping labels (if using freight services)

Posting Positions on Handshake
All internship, co-op, and full-time positions must be posted in Handshake prior to the career fair: https://msu.joinhandshake.com/edu

Positions posted in Handshake can be linked directly to your career fair registration.

Parking Instructions

Please park in Parking Ramp 4, located adjacent to the Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center (S. Harrison Road).

Payment kiosks are located in the hotel lobby and parking ramp
You will need your license plate number to complete payment

Arrival and Registration

Enter the Kellogg Center from the parking garage
Check in at the registration tables in Red Cedar Room AB (first floor/lobby level)

At check-in, employers will receive:

Name badges
Booth assignment
Interview schedules
Event maps

Please complete signage with internship/position type and start/end dates to help students identify opportunities.

Interview Scheduling

Interview schedules are provided at registration
Interviews take place on Day 2 of the fair

Scheduling options:

Sign up students during the fair
Contact students before 9:00 PM on Day 1 (via phone/email)
Schedule breaks as needed (interviews begin on the hour or half-hour)

Interview Day Instructions

Students will wait in assigned seating in Red Cedar Room AB. Employers should:

Pick up students at the scheduled time
Return students promptly after interviews

Timely transitions are essential to maintain the interview schedule.

Internship Program Guidelines

Eligible Junior / Senior Students:

Must complete PKG 315, 322, and 323 before internship begins
Must enroll in PKG 493 during the internship

Note: Graduated students are not eligible

Employment Offers and Follow-Up

Offers must be made directly to students
Offers may not be extended until after 5:00 PM on interview day (Day 2)
Provide students with at least 24 hours to respond (48 hours preferred)
Notify Angela Brann of accepted offers at mooradi7@msu.edu
Communicate outcomes to all interviewed students

Internship Offer Letter Requirements

Offer letters must include:

Company name
Supervisor name
Internship title (must include “Packaging”)
Start and end dates
Year of internship
Brief job description (packaging-related)

Compliance, Accessibility, and Student Support

MSU expects employers to comply with all applicable employment and civil rights laws and to support required documentation for academic credit.

Employers must work with students on evaluations and goal-setting
Students with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations
Employers are expected to cooperate with MSU to implement approved accommodations

Reporting concerns: CareerServices@csp.msu.edu and mooradi7@msu.edu (please copy both email addresses)

Title IX and Civil Rights Reporting: https://civilrights.msu.edu/file-a-report/index.html