Attend if the event is relevant and open to you, but use it for what it can realistically provide: current information, exposure to consultants, and possible starting points for follow-up conversations.

A public virtual event does not turn a non-target school into a target recruiting channel. The value comes from learning how the office describes its work and identifying people or topics you can follow up on afterward.

Prepare one or two specific questions rather than trying to dominate the Q&A. If there is networking time, have a concise introduction and note the names of people whose work genuinely connects to your interests.

Use the event as one piece of a broader outreach strategy, not as a substitute for direct networking and a strong application. The consulting networking guide can help with follow-up.

For a non-target, even getting names for follow-up can make the event worth it.

The public webinar itself probably is not the edge. The follow-up afterward can be.