By DAVE CRANSHAW
UNH Today
On Friday, Oct. 19, undergraduate and graduate students will have the opportunity to interact with representatives from 50 companies and graduate schools as part of the 2012 Career and Graduate School Expo sponsored by the Career Development Center (CDC). The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Beckerman Recreation Center.
A list of companies and graduate schools that will be represented on campus is available online. Employers will be recruiting for full-time, part-time and internship opportunities.
At a workshop offered last week, Dina Wulinsky, a career advisor in the CDC, offered tips for students to get the most out of attending the Career Fair. She said students should:
-Research the employers they would like to meet with
-Prepare a résumé
– Develop a brief “commercial” or “elevator pitch” to sell yourself
– Ask good questions
– Dress professionally
She also stressed that students should make good eye contact, give a firm handshake and demonstrate confidence, interest and enthusiasm.
An important key to success is preparation. “The best way to make a positive and lasting impression is by relating your interests and goals to your research about the employer’s needs,” said Wulinsky.
Another key is timely follow-up. “Before leaving an employer, ask how you should best follow up, who the contact person is and the telephone number to call,” she said. “Ask the employer how soon it will be before you hear from the organization or if you should call or write to follow up. Obtaining a business card is also helpful.”
As part of the workshop, students were also given tips to develop their personal “commercial” or “elevator pitch” to introduce themselves. Students can mention their major, ask questions they might have about the company or express an interest in open positions.
Matt Caporale, executive director of the Career Development Center, emphasized that the challenging job market requires students to take advantage of every chance to interact with potential employers.
“Given the tough labor market, students should embrace this opportunity to meet with employers who are coming to campus with an interest in hiring you,” Caporale said.
He also encouraged students to be open to new opportunities.
“An on-campus career fair is an ideal place to talk to employers about what they are looking for in candidates and the types of career opportunities they have available,” he said. “It is also an opportunity for you to begin practice selling yourself and talking to employers about you, your options and availability. You may learn about opportunities or companies you never knew existed, and you may find that there is a perfect match between you and that company.”
A second workshop to provide students tips about making the most out of attending the Career and Graduate School Expo will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 16, at noon in the conference room in the Bartels Student Activity Center. Additionally, the CDC will host walk-in “Rapid Resume Reviews” from Monday, Oct. 15, through Thursday, Oct. 18, from 2 to 4 p.m. each day.
