Q: How do I make the most of the upcoming career and internship fair?

A: The Office of Career Education and Development has announced that the Fall 2024 career and internship fair is slated to be held on October 17, 2024 in the Sports center. Career and internship fairs are useful opportunities for job seekers to connect and engage with prospective employers. Through these fairs, job seekers can get information about firms, secure employments and get insights about job positions. To ensure that you make the most of the fair, here are some tips to take note of:

Prepare adequately for the fair. As the saying goes, proper preparation prevents poor performance. Preparation for any fair is highly important. You can start by conducting a comprehensive research on the companies that will be present at the fair. Then, make a list of the companies you are interested in, gather information about their vision, mission, culture, and open positions. This would help you in tailoring your resume and cover letter to align with the company. Also, you may want to practice your elevator pitch with family, friends and a career coach.

First impressions matter, and it is important for job seekers to dress professionally in a responsible manner because as the saying goes, you should dress the way you want to be addressed. Dressing in a professional attire gives employers a positive impression about you. You want to dress smart, presentable and minimal for a fair to convey readiness and professionalism. Besides when you dress professionally, it makes it easier for you to network with prospective employers.

Additionally, you should engage workshops and panels. For instance, the upcoming Resume Rush is a good way to prepare adequately for the fair. This makes you have an understanding of an industry while being able to satisfy the requirements of a potential employer.

Finally, you should reflect and plan ahead. You should consider some of the things you have learned and how you can utilize them to be a better professional.