Don’t Overlook The Value Of Career Fairs
Sept. 6, 2000
You don't have to be graduating to attend campus career fairs says Margaret Sebastianelli, director of the Student Services Center in Penn State's College of Health and Human Development. " The biggest mistake you can make -- whether you’re a freshman or a senior -- is not going," says Sebastianelli. Career fairs help students find out about jobs in their major, discover internships and externships, and build a network of contacts. Sebastianelli offers the following tips on how to be successful when going to a career fair:

• Find out which companies or people will be there and develop a list of those you want to meet.
• Treat a career fair just like you would a job interview. Present yourself in a positive and professional manner.
• Don't hang out with your friends. Get in there and introduce yourself to the recruiters.
• Tell recruiters your name, major and the year you are graduating when you introduce yourself.
• Ask questions. "This is a good time to learn what someone in a particular career does, or to learn more about the organization and available opportunities," says Sebastianelli.
• Bring plenty of copies of your résumé and portfolio. Organize these so you can hand a complete packet to recruiters.
• Be ready to discuss your background, qualifications and career goals.
• Ask what you should do to apply for a position, internship or externship.
• Collect business cards and get the representative's name, title, address and phone number so you may follow up with a letter or phone call.