Career Fair

Last Thursday, the University of Illinois at Chicago hosted the Fall Diversity Career Fair at the new Forum building.

It was a pretty nice get-up, all in all. Entrance was speedy, as usual, despite the fact that the actual fair floor was literally wall to wall people (especially around the bigger name companies, like Allstate). However, most all of the representatives there were genuinely nice, despite the heat and the noise. A good experience.

To would-be job-seekers, though, I would offer the following advice:

1. Actually dress up. I saw a number of people (though a small minority) that came in nothing but a t-shirt and jeans. Seriously, folks, that's not the kind of image you want to be sending to potential employers!

2. Follow-up, follow-up, follow-up. If you have a business card, send a thank-you email immediately. Get on your computer and log onto the company website RIGHT NOW. Go down to the career center and sign up for one of their seminars if you haven't already. The biggest problem people have is keeping up the momentmum after they feel pumped up: don't let this happen to you!

3. Calm down, folks. Relax, have a little bit of fun. It's a job fair, but you're also in college, and everyone (including employers) likes someone sociable. If you're standing in a long line for an employer, talk to the people around you. Crack a few jokes.



Hope that helps.



P.S. For younger readers: Start the career process now. Go find an internship, talk to companies, etc etc. It helps a lot later on.