Career Fairs “Its What You Make It”

 

I attended this years Eagle Expo Career Fair and I most say as a public relations major I wasn’t really impressed with the selection of companies. There weren’t any PR firms in attendence and those who were looking for communications art students were only looking for upcoming seniors and juniors. This really irritated me until I started to realized how many businesses were there and I started to seek the businesses that interested me. One of the first places I went to was Coca-Cola. They had a really nice set up and it seemed like just about every person at the fair was interested. So after waiting for seemed like forever, I finally got a chance to talk to the rep about some opportunities. Unfortunately they weren’t looking for any PR work but I did get some information about there marketing summer internship that I’m currently still up for.  I also had a chance to talk to Walgreens about a possible store manager position that they would train and prep me for, so I was definitely excited about that.  One of the last companies I talked to was Wachovia. I’ve always a interest in working for Wachovia since I my freshman year so when I saw their rep there I got alittle exicited and nerves.  We actually talk for a good while about a few postions inside the company including  HR consultants, customer service and operations manager. He also gave me some insight into what Wells Fargo was looking for in applicants and they were some of the same exact things that my parents and professors were telling me along.  

So after looking a back on my last Eagle Expo & Carreer Fair experience, I realized that your opportunities to get to the next level are out there you just have to find them sometimes. I definitely went to the expo dissapointed because of the company selection but after just digging alittle the experience got progressively better. So here are a few tips that can help you get the most of any Career Fair

Tips to Get the Most Out of Career Fairs

• Come prepared. Before the fair you can review the online directory of employers and their job opportunities. If you spend a little time getting some background on an organization, then you can ask very focused and specific questions. This impresses representatives because it shows a genuine interest in them.
• Dress appropriately. First impressions are important. While campus attire is acceptable for fairs, you will probably be most comfortable if you at least dress in “business casual.”
• Get comfortable. When you arrive, take a few minutes to review the map and directory for the fair. You may feel more comfortable if you quickly locate and walk by the employers in whom you’re most interested. This will confirm their location and alert you to any crowds or lines of other students waiting.
• Pace Yourself. If your schedule allows, you may find it easiest to start with the employers in which you’re the least interested. This will allow you to hone your approach and to be most confident when you approach the employers you’re especially excited about. Be sure to balance this tip with the reality that you may have little time and that many other students may be interested in the same employers. Assume that you will need to wait to speak with some employers.
• Ask the representative for his/her card, and then send a thank-you note. Having the business card of the representative you have just spoken with serves three purposes. First, you have a direct contact with the organization, including the proper spelling of the representative’s name, direct telephone line, etc. Second, a brief thank-you note acknowledges the help they gave you and the time they took to visit campus. Third, sending thank-you notes is a good professional habit.