Do career fairs make you want to hide underneath a table and pretend you’re a cat? The thought of interacting with real-life adults with real-life professions in a non-Smith setting can elicit such a reaction. Yet, attending career fairs can and will offer you a slew of opportunities for your professional development. Whether it’s through small talk with a company representative, learning about open positions or rocking a pantsuit, career fairs will teach you a lot.
On Thursday Oct. 4, the Lazarus Center will be hosting its annual Fall Career Fair from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the ITT. Here are some tips to save you time and maximize opportunities for networking:
1. Research! Research! Research!
If you want to avoid the “lost-at-sea” feeling when you walk into ITT next Thursday to see booths upon booths of well-dressed professionals, get acquainted with the organizations that will be there. Representatives from Amazon, LL. Bean, S & P Global, Miami Heat and many more top-notch companies will all be there. Although researching each and every one of the 81 organizations sounds tedious, it will help you stay focused.
2. Reflect over your previous work or volunteer experience
Employers are interested in learning more about you. Do tell them about any prior internship, volunteer or club experience you have. Do not divulge into your autobiography unless you feel like that information relates to the organization or will give you an extra edge. Your resume can also serve as a free guidebook to conversation starters. With that being said, make sure that your resume is something you’re proud of. Attend peer advising hours at the Lazarus Center to get feedback on improving your resume.
3. Develop a list of questions to ask representatives
Think about how awkward and uncomfortable it will be when an employer asks, “Any questions?” and you articulate “hmmm,” “haah” and “ummm” until you give up and say “No.” Not a good impression. Preparing questions shows that you’ve done your homework and that you are engaged in what the organization’s all about. “I’m just hoping to learn about different companies and talk to human beings instead of applying through a computer,” said Julia Bouzaher ’20. If you find it challenging to draft a list of questions about a company, try looking at a different organization. After all, these companies are there to meet you.
4. Create or update your LinkedIn profile
Ditch the affair with Snapchat and Insta and spend considerable time on your LinkedIn. LinkedIn offers cool features that allow you to snoop — just kidding — research the professional work histories of potential employers. LinkedIn can also help you build your network. Nearly 70 percent of jobs aren’t advertised, as reported by Payscale. This means that making connections can lead you somewhere. Many Smith alumnae are also on LinkedIn and may be willing to help you with a referral or answers to your career questions!
5. Introduce yourself to someone new
Preparing for career fairs can actually be fun. If there’s someone in a class that you’ve always had your eye on to talk to but are too afraid to say anything to, use the premise of “prepping for the career fair.” Perhaps it is your lab partner or the attractive server at a restaurant downtown? Meeting and engaging in a conversation with a new person will help you practice your 30-second elevator pitch.
6. Reach out to seniors or recent alumnae
Talking to fellow students, especially some you do not know, can provide you with great networking experience. Not only that, seniors and recent grads may offer you some sage, off-the-record advice. For example: the best times to attend the fair, what not to wear, etc.
7. Get yourself some business cards
You can get your first ten cards free from the Lazarus Center.
8. Breathe
The word “Career Fair” garners an expected level of panic or stress. It serves as a reminder of the future and the eventual truth that your time at Smith will come to an end. While this may be a good reason to avoid career fairs altogether and relish in the joy of Smith life, don’t get discouraged. Reframe the career fair by thinking of it as a chance to make new friends. As stated in the Lazarus Center’s “Preparing for Career Fairs” presentation, “follow up with anyone you’ve spoken to at least 24 hours later.” Remember, career fairs provide stepping stones to your career.
