Career Fair Swag That Stands Out: What Works & What Doesn’t

By Casey McWilliams

Tips for Accounting Firms Looking to Make a Lasting Impression on Campus

Let’s face it: the average college student has been to more than a few career fairs—and they’ve seen it all. From stress balls shaped like the company logo to pens that barely write, it takes more than a bowl of candy to stand out. For accounting firm marketers, the challenge is twofold:

  1. Attract talent to your booth, and
  2. Make your firm memorable after the fair ends.

We’ve gathered the do’s and don’ts of career fair swag—based on what resonates with today’s students and what’s bound to end up in the bottom of a backpack (or worse, the trash).

What Works: Swag That Connects, Sticks, or Solves a Problem

  1. Tech-Friendly Items
    College students are glued to their devices. Think:
  2. Branded phone stands or wallets
  3. Screen cleaners
  4. Compact charging cables or adapters

Pro tip: Choose items that work with both iPhone and Android to cover your bases.

  1. Everyday Essentials
    Useful = used = remembered. Some favorites include:
  2. Reusable water bottles or tumblers (bonus if they’re cute or colorful)
  3. Tote bags that don’t scream “corporate”
  4. Mini first-aid kits or lip balm with your logo
  5. Wearables with Style
    Branded shirts or hats only get worn if they look good. Opt for modern designs, soft fabrics, and minimalist logos.
    Students love comfort—and if they’ll wear it around campus, your brand goes with them.
  6. Gamified Giveaways
    Set up a spin wheel, mini Plinko board, or a quick trivia game related to your firm or the accounting world.
    It creates engagement and makes students more likely to stick around, learn your name, and have fun doing it.
  7. Thoughtful Branding
    Don’t just slap your logo on something. Tie it back to who your firm is.
    Are you tech-savvy? Community-focused? Playful and people-first? Let that show through your swag choices and your booth messaging.

What Doesn’t Work: Swag That Falls Flat

  1. Overdone Giveaways
  2. Stress balls? Pass.
  3. Pens? Maybe (but only if they’re really nice).
  4. Stickers? Only if they’re clever, well-designed, and feel like they came from a cool indie brand—not an accounting firm.
  5. Cheap Quality
    Low-cost doesn’t have to mean low-quality. Students can spot the difference. If it feels like it will break by the time they get to class, it’s not worth handing out.
  6. No Clear Branding
    Swag should be a reminder of your firm. If your name or visual identity is missing, too subtle, or confusing, it misses the mark.
  7. Forgetting Your Audience
    Swag doesn’t need to impress other firms—it needs to appeal to college students. Stay relevant. Think fun, functional, and a little unexpected.

Remember: More Than Just Stuff

Swag is a foot in the door—but your message and your people are what leave the lasting impression. Pair your standout giveaways with:

  1. Friendly team members who can speak to the firm’s culture
  2. A short, punchy pitch on why students should care
  3. QR codes or postcards with clear next steps (career site, intern stories, application deadlines)

When your booth looks inviting, your swag is smart, and your people are engaging, you won’t just get foot traffic—you’ll get follow-ups.

Need help branding your next campus campaign?
Our team helps accounting firms create swag, signage, and digital materials that connect with the next generation of CPAs. Let’s make sure you’re not just another booth in the background.