Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Making a Career Fair Work for You


Career fairs allow you to network with multiple employers, explore career paths and companies you are interested in and find out about employment opportunities. With several career fairs coming up this fall, here are a few tips to maximize your experience and have employers more likely to follow up with you.

What to Wear
This is your chance to make a good impression and show that you take your career seriously. A good rule of thumb is to dress like you would for an interview. You can wear a suit if you have one. Otherwise, men can wear slacks with a dress shirt and tie, and women can wear slacks or a skirt with a dress shirt. 

Bring Your Resume
Bring copies of your resume. Ideally, compile them in to a folder or padfolio. This is also useful for collecting material that they will hand to you. If you need assistance with your resume, come visit Career Services. 

Introduce Yourself
In the initial introduction, shake hands with the employer and tell them your name and a brief description of your background and what you are seeking. For example: 

Hi, my name is Jane Smith. I am a junior studying Business Administration and am seeking internship opportunities in Accounting. I have worked in customer service at Target for the past two summers.

 Preparation
Before you arrive, review the list of employers, note the ones you want to meet with and prepare some questions to ask.
Examples:
- What opportunities are available at your organization?
- What do you like the most about working there?
- What skills and experience are you looking for in a candidate?
- What can I do as a student to best prepare for a career in the ____ field?
- May I have your business card?
 
Business Cards and Follow Up
Collecting business cards allows you to follow up quickly with any connections that you make.

Friday, August 16, 2013

Meet the Firms - Accounting & Finance Fair


Meet the Firms – Accounting and Finance Fair is scheduled for Tuesday, September 3rd from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. in the Massman Hall Rock Room (outside on the Quad weather permitting).

This event is a great opportunity for accounting and finance students to meet with representatives from regional and national public accounting firms, along with several major KC based corporations.  Get your resume polished up and dress professional.  First impressions are important and this is your opportunity.

If you are considering an internship for 2014, now is the time to start looking.  The market is very competitive and you need to start early.  Your competition is not just the students in your classes, but students from every college and university throughout the area.  Every chance you have to connect with a prospective employer is critical and Meet the Firms can help jump start your search!