Making the Most of the Career Expo

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Making the Most of the Career Expo
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Why should I go?

• Speak to professionals about
• Full-time and part-time job opportunities
• Internships
• Other opportunities within their field and/or
  company
• What do these people expect from a potential
  employee?
• Get contact information from prospective
  employers
• Practice networking and interpersonal
  communication skills
• Gain information about admissions requirements
  for professional schools

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Before the ExpoPrepare Your Resume

• Format- will it stand out?
• Objective- make it broad, youll be giving it to
  many different representatives.
• Check it once, check it twice NO spelling or
  grammatical errors, please!
• Resume Paper
• Have resume critiqued schedule an appointment
  in 107 Patterson Hall,
• (515-3249)

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Before the ExpoReview Company Information

• Go to www.cals.ncsu.edu/career/expo for a list of
  companies and links to their websites
• Choose companies of interest to you, and make
  notes about interesting facts (potential topics
  to discuss) and questions to ask - Dont skip
  this step, theyll be impressed that youve done
  your research!

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Before the ExpoRemember Your Commercial

• Prepare a Tell me about yourself commercial, as
  you would for an interview.
• This will be used to introduce yourself and begin
  conversation with the representative.
• What do you include in this commercial?
• Well, what do you want them to know about you?

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Before the ExpoYour Commercial

• Name
• Major (s) and Minor (s)
• Field of Interest
• Career Goal
• Experience
• Reason for interest in the company, organization,
  school, etc.
• REMEMBEREnthusiasm!

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For Example

• Hello. My name is Bob Biochem. Im a sophomore
  in Biochemistry, and my goal is to attend medical
  school after graduation. I was researching Amgen
  online and am interested in the research you are
  conducting on arthritis! I have enjoyed my
  previous research experience in the Microbiology
  Department of our college, and would like to know
  about opportunities for student interns within
  your company.

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Another example

• Hello. My name is Zack Zoology. I am a pre-vet
  student in zoology. I recently decided to pursue
  a minor in poultry science, as I am very
  interested in the poultry industry. From my
  understanding, there is a rising demand for
  veterinarians within the industry, and I would
  like to know more about these opportunities!

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And Another Example

• Hello. My name is Arnie Ag. I reviewed
  information about Bartlett Tree Company on your
  website and am interested in your research on
  tree diseases. I am majoring in Horticulture
  with a concentration in Landscape Horticulture
  and will receive my degree in May. My goal is to
  find a challenging entry-level position in
  arboriculture, and I would like to learn more
  about my career opportunities within your
  organization!

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During the ExpoDress Smart

• Jeans, NC State T-shirts, Shorts, Tennis Shoes,
  Hats, and Chewing Gum (though not an article of
  clothing).LEAVE THESE AT HOME!
• Khakis, golf shirts, button-down shirts, long
  pants, dress shoes, skirts, dresses, etc.
• Accessories writing materials, binder/
  clipboard, folder containing resumes

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During the ExpoPlay by Play

• 1. Visit tables of companies you researched
  and/or are interested in (be prepared to wait in
  line).
• 2. Extend hand with a firm grip and introduce
  yourself with confidence (your commercial).
• 3. Ask the intelligent questions you prepared.
• 4. Offer your resume.
• 5. Pick up brochures and other written materials
  on the booth ask for business card or contact
  info.
• 6. Thank him or her for the time and express
  appreciation.
• 7. Make notes when you leave the booth.

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During the ExpoSome Intelligent Questions

• What makes your organization unique in this
  industry?
• What do you look for in new college graduates/
  applicants?
• What majors/ minors are of particular interest to
  your company?
• Do you have a summer internship program? How can
  I apply?

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After the ExpoI made it! Now what?

• Youre not done
• Follow up no more than a week later with thank
  you letters.
• Keep in touch with the contacts you made you
  never know when you may want to cross that bridge.

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• If you would like more assistance preparing for a
  career expo, make an appointment in 107 Patterson
  Hall 515.3249.