The key to a successful event is the dialogue between students and recruiters. Company events provide the perfect platform for organizations to engage students in discussion around company values, job opportunities, and potential career paths. You and your team have the option to facilitate events 1:1 or in a small group—in person or virtually—or in a large classroom setting.

If you are looking to engage with Harvard Business School students while sharing why your company is a great place to work, consider hosting a company event. Here are five ways to effectively engage with students during your events this year:

1. Post Materials in Advance

Organizations should design their events to be interactive and engaging. Students can already learn a lot about a company by looking at its website and social media accounts, so focus your content on questions students won’t find on your website. Share details about your company and hiring process before the event takes place.

Quick Tips:
  • You can attach slides, sample project outlines, details about your interview process, and social media links in your event on the HBS recruiting platform 12twenty.
  • Try sharing videos of your office space or the surrounding local area to help students better understand what it might be like to work in your office.
  • Consider asking a senior leader in your organization to record a brief message to prospective candidates.


2. Choose Strong Company Representatives

Options for virtual or in-person recruiting create flexibility and allow you to select your most engaging speakers regardless of their location or ability to travel. Evaluate who on your team is good at engaging in conversation and will ultimately get students excited about your organization.

Quick Tips:
  • Select inspiring speakers who are great at building personal relationships and can speak candidly about their experiences at your company. Think of someone on your team who you are always excited to work with because they bring the energy level up. The people who exude authentic excitement and honesty about your organization make the best ambassadors to introduce to students—especially if they are HBS alumni, hold an MBA, or represent a mix of senior and junior perspectives.
  • Select representatives who are currently in the role you are hiring for. Students love to hear a “day in the life” perspective from recent interns or current full-time employees working in a job that may be available.

  • Diverse representation in recruiting helps candidates picture how they could comfortably bring their authentic selves and thrive in their work environment.

3. Collect Student Questions in Advance

Provide students with an email address or an external feedback survey in your event details to collect student questions ahead of your event to help guide your team’s discussion. This can also help you gain an understanding of what interests students about your organization.

Quick Tips:
  • Create slides or a one-page PDF providing answers to the most asked questions.
  • Use questions to clarify information in presentation, allowing you to craft a more tailored recruiting approach.

4. Structure Your Event for Maximum Impact

Provide students with an email address or an external feedback survey in your event details to collect student questions ahead of your event to help guide your team’s discussion. This can also help you gain an understanding of what interests students about your organization.

Quick Tips:
  • Match your format to your goals
    • Use Company Presentations for broad brand awareness and Q&A.
    • Use Coffee Chats for informal, two-way dialogue. Keep groups small (up to 10 students) to foster deeper connections.
  • Be transparent and descriptive. Clearly outline the event format and include key logistical details like visa sponsorship requirements in your event description to help students prepare and self-select.
  • Build continuity. Follow up with students who asked questions or showed interest and share real stories from past or current MBAs to reinforce your message and highlight relatable paths within your organization.


5. Facilitate the Conversation

Engage students by asking for participation and creating conversation. Get to know your audience and generate meaningful dialogue rather than purely presenting.

Quick Tips:
  • Use polling questions like “Raise your hand if…” or QR code links to anonymous polls.
  • For virtual events, you can also use the hand raising feature or encourage students to submit their questions via the chat function feature on virtual calls.
  • Prompt students to answer questions. For example, ask how they would think about a project you have worked on and guide a discussion around how you approached it.

Company events are an opportunity to interface with students in a personalized, interactive manner beyond reading job descriptions and resumes. Whether you choose to come to campus or recruit virtually, remember that the goal of hosting a successful company event is to create meaningful connections.

If you have any additional questions about how to make the most of your time with HBS students this year, contact your Employer Relations Manager.