[adpiucf]

Obviously, people are going to remember you as the girl with the braces. How they choose to interpret your braces is really up to them and how you conduct yourself.

If you're going to be self conscious about that, is it possible for you to have the rubber bands removed VERY temporarily? Young actors have their braces removed for movie roles and then put back on. I'm not advocating you remove your braces, but perhaps you could remove the bands during the recruitment parties if you think it will make you feel more confident. Consult your orthodonist, but I think going band-less for a couple hours over the course of your braces-wearing tenure is not going to destroy your progress. (personal experience from a former brace face)

Most people have braces in middle/high school, but there are certainly people who get them in college or later in life. One of my best friends is a VP of marketing for a large Fortune 500 and he got braces in his late 30s. He successfully interviewed while he had the braces. So it all comes down to your attitude.

Yes, this sounds very superficial, but you asked an honest question and that's my honest answer.

ETA: If you keep the bands in and someone offers you food, you can decline politely and explain briefly about the bands. Or you can accept, hold the snack, and then don't eat it. Do what is going to make you feel the most comfortable.