While your college courses give you valuable knowledge and teach you necessary skills, they often do not provide direct insights into the field of your choice. Career fairs are the perfect way to learn more about industries of interest to you and introduce yourself to potential employers!
Reasons to Attend
- Become comfortable talking to recruiters
Career fairs are large, noisy, and crowded, so it’s normal to be nervous; however, learning how to deal with nerves and practicing communication skills are vital to landing jobs. As you begin introducing yourself to employers, you will become increasingly comfortable with presenting yourself in a personable, professional manner.
Recruiters are used to students being nervous and they will appreciate your efforts. Just remember to make eye contact, give a firm handshake, and stand up straight. If you don’t think a conversation went well, then try and try again – practicing confidence does not come naturally for everyone!
- Network with current employees
Career fairs do not always lead to an employment offer, but the amazing opportunities to network should not be overlooked. By building a network of industry professionals, you can open doors to finding a job in the future. Do not be afraid to connect with recruiters on LinkedIn or ask to exchange contact information, they may help you down the road.
Connecting with a recruiter can help you at future career fairs, which may be especially helpful for freshmen and sophomores. For instance, you may see that same recruiter again and display that you are still interested in their company. On the other hand, you may meet an entirely different recruitment team but get the chance to call back to your previous connection. Both situations show initiative to recruiters and paint you in a positive light.
- Discover new career paths and job options
Not everyone knows what they want to do after college – and that’s okay! Career fairs are the perfect way to speak to people actively working in different roles and fields. Employers will share insights into what jobs they offer and what those jobs look like. You can also ask recruiters why they like working there, what the company culture is like, and how they got started there.
Don’t pass up the chance to discover what jobs intrigue you the most, see what different employers offer, and find out what they are looking for in an employee.
- Land an internship or job
Outside of career fairs, it is unlikely you’ll find so many employers actively looking to fill open positions all in one place. Take the opportunity to put a face and voice behind your resume. If you make a good impression on recruiters, there is a good chance you can receive an interview or even an offer letter by email later.
No matter your year in college, you should not feel dissuaded from attending. Although it is not guaranteed, some employers do offer summer internships to freshmen!
UF Career Week
With over 300 employers attending, the upcoming Career Week is the first chance this year to explore potential career paths and opportunities.
Monday, September 23rd
- 1 PM – 6 PM: Computer & Information Science & Engineering AI Fair
Tuesday, September 24th, 9 AM – 3 PM
- 9 AM – 3 PM: Non-Technical Day
Wednesday, September 25th
- 9 AM – 3 PM: Technical Day
- 9 AM – 11:30 AM: Material Science & Nuclear Engineering Fair
- 12:30 PM – 3 PM: Agricultural & Biological Engineering Fair
If you are unsure what event to attend, check out the employers attending each day and what fields they are looking for. You do this by logging into the UF Career Center, searching for the event you want such as “Fall 2024 Career Week,” and then clicking “Employers.”
If you have a class during one of the days/fairs, ask your professor if you can be excused to attend (it doesn’t hurt to ask)!
In the event that you are unable to attend the fall career fairs – don’t worry! There will be another Career Showcase in the Spring from January 30th – January 31st.
How to Prepare
Anyone can (and should) attend the UF Career Week, but one does not simply walk into the O’Connell Center without some preparation.
- Create and Practice an Elevator Pitch
Employers talk to a lot of potential candidates, so it is important to capture their attention when you speak to them. An elevator pitch is a short, compelling introduction about yourself that gives recruiters insights into who you are and how you would benefit their company.
- Bring an Updated Resume
Although you may discuss your previous roles or curriculum with recruiters, you should always provide a physical copy of your resume to every recruiter you meet. Not only does this give them an overall summary of your experiences and skills, but it also allows them to look back at everyone they spoke to that day.
- Research Companies and Prepare Questions
Recruiters appreciate it when you have done your research to become familiar with their company. Before attending a Career Week event, choose a few companies that interest you the most and prepare specific questions and comments. Your research can include browsing the company website, becoming familiar with their goals and mission, identifying different roles currently offered by the company, and finding information about their previous intern experiences.
Your questions can be about specific roles or programs, the hiring process, the recruiter’s own experience with the company, recent announcements or finished projects, company culture, and how to stay in touch.
- Dress to Impress
Speaking with recruiters is essentially an unofficial interview, so look the part by wearing professional attire. Students can get one free professional outfit per semester at the Molm Family Gator Career Closet.
Re-cap
Career fairs are an important part of your undergraduate career to land roles and gain real-world experience in your field. At UF, a Career Showcase with hundreds of employers is held every Fall and Spring Semester among other individual fairs. Employers want to talk to students at these events – don’t miss out on being one of them!
Check out the Career Connections Center for future events, frequently asked questions not answered in this article, career planning services, resume help, and more.
Sources Referenced
https://career.ufl.edu/events-and-programs/career-fairs/career-showcase/prep/
https://career.ufl.edu/events-and-programs/career-fairs/
https://www.themuse.com/advice/questions-to-ask-at-career-fairs