Why The Career Fair Is For You

POP QUIZ!!! When is the Fall Career Fair?  If you answered, Wednesday, October 22, then congratulations! The Career Center’s Fall Career Fair offers you a chance to meet employers face-to-face and ask about their job and internship opportunities.

Employers from many industries will be there to meet YOU. Yes, that’s right, YOU!! Over the years I have heard many reasons (excuses) as to why students do not attend career fairs.  I would like to address those concerns here

1. The employers there are only looking for salespeople.

Not true. Yes, there are always going to be a fair amount of sales opportunities. Think about it, pretty much every company uses sales staff in one way or another. However, there are plenty of opportunities in other areas as well.

2. I am not graduating yet so there is no need for me to go. 

Not true! Many of our employers are looking to hire interns or volunteer workers. This is a terrific opportunity for you to gain work experience that is related to your major and career goal while you are still a student.  Not sure of your major or career goal? An internship is also one of the best ways to “try on” a career to see if it fits.

3. I don’t have a resume. 

Well, that one is a problem; you do need a resume for the career fair. However, The Career Center counselors are here to help you create a resume, or revise the one that you have. To get resume assistance, you can either make an appointment with a career counselor, or come to The Career Center during our Quick Question hours. Quick Question hours give you the opportunity to meet with a counselor for a quick resume review without having to make an appointment; you can just come see us Monday-Friday at any time between 10-11 or 2-4.

4. I don’t have anything to wear. 

Yes, you do need to dress professionally for a career fair, but chances are you do have something appropriate in your closet, or on the floor, that would do. Just be sure to iron it first.

5. There is nothing in my major/industry. 

While we try our best, we cannot always accommodate every single major at every single career fair.  But you should always take the opportunity to come and meet with employers. You never know what they may have for you. Accounting firms have marketing people, hospitals have human resources staff. At the very least, you are making connections with people.

See you there!

Darlene Johnson,
Director of External Affairs